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US Biography Literary Agents

102 agents · 75 currently open to submissions

Biography attracts 37+ agents across the United States, spanning everything from presidential chronicles like Robert Caro's multi-volume Lyndon Johnson series to intimate memoirs, scientific breakthroughs, and cultural histories. The category splits between celebrity memoirs with built-in audiences, investigative biographies requiring extensive research and legal clearances, and personal narratives that read more like literary nonfiction. Some agents focus on historical figures and political personalities, while others seek contemporary subjects in entertainment, sports, or social movements. Academic biographies often need different positioning than commercial life stories, and agents vary widely in their appetite for controversial subjects or lesser-known figures. Platform matters significantly for memoir, though breakthrough biographical narratives about compelling subjects can succeed based on storytelling alone. Many agents who represent biography also handle history, science writing, or literary fiction, making their client lists worth studying for submission strategy. Consider whether your project fits the investigative journalism model, the personal narrative approach, or the scholarly biography tradition when identifying the right representatives.

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Represents

Biography, history, current affairs, international relations, politics, arts, sciences, sports, popular culture, literary fiction, genre fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

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Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

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Represents

Literary fiction, non-fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction, history, biography, food writing, cultural criticism, graphic novels, young adult fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

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Represents

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

Looking for

Wendy specializes in literary fiction and narrative nonfiction. She represents award winning literary novelists, short story writers, journalists, activists, anthropologists, scientists, doctors, and educators.

How to submit

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.

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Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, genre fiction, narrative non-fiction, pop culture, psychology, history, science, art, business books, biography, memoir

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages, writing sample

Looking for

She looks for commercial fiction and is interested in brilliant novels, fun beach reads, gripping nonfiction narratives, inspirational memoirs or biographies, and instructional self-help titles.

How to submit

Send query letter via email with full query in body of email, not as attachment. Include first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction in the body of the email below the query letter.

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Represents

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, memoir, biography, history, science narratives, medical narratives

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages

Looking for

Jane is interested in women's commercial fiction and big think non-fiction. She loves to read commercial and literary fiction, memoir, biography and history, with particular interest in current events, politics, legal subjects, science and medical narratives.

How to submit

Send query letter via email with full query in body, include first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction in email body. For picture books, include full text and dummy or sample art as PDF attachments under 20MB.

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Represents

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, women's fiction, thriller, mystery, psychology, science, history, biography, diet, health, fitness, how-to, self-help, narrative non-fiction

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

Looking for

Harvey loves great adult commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction books with a strong narrative voice in all disciplines, written by authors who already have an established professional platform in their field of expertise.

How to submit

Submit via email with a short synopsis of your work, an author bio, and the first five pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of your email. Do not send attachments.

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Represents

Grounded genre fiction, upmarket romance, psychological thrillers, folk horror, book club fiction, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, one sentence pitch, first 20 pages, comparable books, biography

Looking for

Gracie is interested in grounded genre fiction, upmarket romance, psychological thrillers, folk horror, book club fiction, and narrative nonfiction examining culture and social issues. Across young adult and adult categories, she's interested in underrepresented voices, inventive storytelling, and delicious prose.

How to submit

Submit via Query Manager only. Include query letter, one sentence pitch, first 20 pages, and comparable books. Do not query via email.

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Represents

Music history, music journalism, memoir, biography, narrative non-fiction, media, film, tv, essay, literature, pop culture, young adult fiction, middle grade fiction

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

Looking for

David specializes in music-related nonfiction, biography, narrative nonfiction, and young adult and middle-grade fiction. He seeks contemporary, adventure, thriller, and mystery in Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction.

How to submit

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.

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Represents

Adult nonfiction, practical nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, cooking, food writing, psychology, self-help, mental health, wellness, lifestyle, women's issues, parenting, current events, pop culture, science, biography, memoir, young adult, middle grade, children's nonfiction, picture books

Wants: Query letter, first twenty five pages, proposal, sample chapter, full picture book text, graphic novel script

Looking for

Stacey Glick is Vice President at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. Her official profile says she wants to see more expert-driven prescriptive and narrative nonfiction. She is interested in adult practical and narrative nonfiction across categories including cooking and food, psychology, self-help, mental health and wellness, lifestyle, women's issues, parenting, current events, pop culture, science, biography, and memoir. On the children's side she represents select YA, middle grade, nonfiction, and picture books. She also notes an interest in cookbooks, culinary subjects, psychology, pop culture, current events, business, narrative nonfiction, and fresh approaches to existing subjects.

How to submit

Email Stacey Glick at sglick@dystel.com. Dystel, Goderich and Bourret asks writers to query only one agency agent at a time, include the full query in the body of the email, and include the first 25 pages for fiction or a nonfiction proposal with sample chapter below the query. Picture book submissions should include the full text plus a dummy or sample art if available. Graphic novel submissions should include the first 25 pages of script and, for author-illustrators, 10 illustrated pages or other relevant materials.

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Represents

Literary fiction, graphic novels, serious nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, history, philosophy, current affairs, literary studies, cultural studies, biography, memoir, music, photography, racial justice, economic justice, international writing

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, short story, proposal

Looking for

Stephanie Steiker is an agent at Regal Hoffmann & Associates. She is open to submissions in serious and narrative nonfiction as well as literary fiction, including graphic novels. In nonfiction, her interests are history, philosophy, current affairs, literary and cultural studies, biography and memoir, music, photography, and issues of racial and economic justice. She is enthusiastic about international writing, reads in French, Spanish, and Polish, and likes prose written by poets.

How to submit

Email Stephanie Steiker at stephanie@rhaliterary.com. Regal Hoffmann asks for electronic submissions with a query letter describing the book, qualifications, and why the writer is querying that agent. For fiction, include a synopsis and the first 10 pages of a novel or one short story from a collection in the body of the email. For nonfiction, include a synopsis in the body of the email and, if available, attach a clearly labeled full proposal.

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Represents

Narrative nonfiction, mind body spirit, social and political science, health and wellness, current affairs, biography, psychology, self-help, business, spirituality, popular culture, lgbtq and, history, cooking, sports, memoir, literary fiction, suspense

Wants: Query letter, overview, sample pages, author bio, platform details

Looking for

Tom Miller is a senior literary agent at Liza Dawson Associates. He develops and sells commercial and serious narrative nonfiction and select literary fiction. In nonfiction, he wants highly credentialed experts with strong networks and platforms in mind-body-spirit, narrative nonfiction, social and political science, health and wellness, current affairs, biography, psychology and self-help, business, spirituality, popular culture, LGBTQ+ topics, history, cultural and social history, science, cooking, and sports. He is open to exceptional memoirs by well-connected authors. In fiction, he is highly selective and wants beautifully written literary novels with compelling characters and story lines, LGBTQ+ fiction, and literary-quality suspense. He is not interested in thrillers, science fiction, romance, children's books, or fantasy.

How to submit

Email querytom@lizadawson.com with a query letter including a detailed overview of the nonfiction or fiction project, no more than 25 pages of sample writing, a concise author bio, and network or platform details pasted into the email body. Do not send attachments or snail mail.

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Represents

Literary fiction, crime fiction, thrillers, queer fiction, commercial women's fiction, memoir, biography, cookbooks, food writing, journalism, health and wellness, graphic nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

Vicky Bijur started the Vicky Bijur Literary Agency in 1988. She represents fiction and nonfiction, including memoir, biography, cookbooks, food writing, journalism, health and wellness, and graphic nonfiction. The agency submissions page says it is looking for literary fiction, crime fiction/thrillers, queer fiction, high-end commercial women's fiction, memoir, and nonfiction including biography, cookbooks, food writing, journalism, health/wellness, and graphic nonfiction. Vicky Bijur is currently accepting fiction and nonfiction submissions, but she is not the right agent for science fiction, fantasy, romance, or self-help.

How to submit

Send queries by email only to queries@vickybijuragency.com. Include a brief query letter with publication history, current project, and other relevant experience, and paste a sample of the first ten pages into the body of the email. Do not send unsolicited attachments.

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Represents

Narrative nonfiction, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, illustrated books, biography, history, politics, public life, music, architecture, art, design, food, culinary culture, memoir, cultural criticism, counterculture, place-based writing

Looking for

William Clark represents serious narrative nonfiction, select literary and upmarket fiction, and illustrated books with cultural authority by authors whose work combines narrative force, intellectual rigor, and a distinct point of view. He is especially drawn to biography, history, politics and public life, music, architecture, art and design, food and culinary culture, memoir with a larger lens, cultural criticism, counterculture, and place-based writing.

How to submit

Representation queries are accepted only through the official representation-query form on the William Clark Associates website. They are not accepted by telephone, postal mail, or courier mail.

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Represents

Women's issues, pop culture, illustrated nonfiction, photography, history, politics, self-help, current events, narrative nonfiction, biography, business, lifestyle, cookbooks, contemporary fiction, upmarket fiction, historical fiction, romantic comedy, women's fiction

Wants: Query letter, first 20 pages, proposal

Looking for

Dani represents a wide range of fiction and nonfiction for adults and children. In nonfiction she is drawn to women's issues, pop culture, illustrated and photography projects, history, politics, self-help, current events, narrative nonfiction, biography, business, lifestyle, and cookbooks. In fiction she seeks contemporary and upmarket adult fiction, historical fiction, rom-coms, and women's fiction with compelling narrators and voice-driven writing.

How to submit

Submit to Dani Segelbaum via QueryManager. Her form asks for a query letter and the first 20 pages of fiction or a full nonfiction proposal. Do not query multiple Arc agents simultaneously.

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Represents

Narrative nonfiction, literary fiction, memoir, biography, science, social issues, women's issues

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, first twenty five pages

Looking for

Eve MacSweeney is developing narrative nonfiction and literary fiction that speak to emotionally driven stories, singular voices, and compelling social issues, especially as they concern the lives of women. Her official profile also notes memoirs focused on the criminal justice system, science-based investigation, biography, and literary fiction.

How to submit

Email submissions@calligraphlit.com with a query letter, brief synopsis, short bio, and 25 pages of sample material in the body of the email. Include Eve MacSweeney's name, the project title, and genre in the subject line. Do not query Eve directly, send attachments, or submit by postal mail or phone.

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Represents

Memoir, biography, food writing, graphic nonfiction, essays, pop science, pop culture, self-help, historical narrative, humor, business, high concept suspense, women's fiction, literary fiction, verse novels, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, first chapter, graphic excerpt, proposal

Looking for

Gordon Warnock seeks fresh voices, timely and timeless projects, socially responsible nonfiction by authors with strong expertise or platforms, memoir and biography, food narrative and history, graphic and illustrated nonfiction, essays on social issues, pop science, pop or geek culture, self-help, historical narrative, humor, how-to, business and career, high-concept suspense, book club women's fiction, literary fiction, verse novels for YA and MG, and graphic novels for adults, YA, and MG.

How to submit

Query Gordon Warnock by email at querygordon@fuseliterary.com or through conferences he attends. For text-based works, paste the first chapter below the query, for memoir, paste the first chapter, for graphic nonfiction or graphic novels, attach a 10-page sequential PDF excerpt of finished artwork not exceeding 50 MB. Unsolicited submissions by paper mail or social media will be discarded unread.

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Represents

Biography, memoir, history, science, nature, pop culture, cultural criticism, current events, politics, narrative nonfiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction, mystery, thriller

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages, proposal

Looking for

Iris is seeking nonfiction in biography, memoir, history, science and nature, pop culture, cultural criticism, current events, politics, and narrative nonfiction, with special interest in intersectional feminism, nature, climate change, conservation, social and racial justice, and books sparked by a quirky obsession. In fiction she is seeking literary and commercial fiction with strong voice, plus upmarket mysteries and thrillers.

How to submit

Email Iris Blasi at iris@arcliterary.com. Follow Arc Literary's guidelines: query letter, author bio, publishing history if applicable, first 25 pages for fiction, or nonfiction proposal with sample material. Do not query multiple Arc agents simultaneously.

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Represents

Literary fiction, nonfiction, history, journalism, music, film, sports, biography, narrative nonfiction, criticism, essays, hybrid nonfiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Jim Rutman represents adult literary fiction and nonfiction. In fiction, he is interested in audacious novels that test the form and prioritize language. His nonfiction interests are wide ranging, including history, journalism, music, film, sports, biography, traditional narrative approaches, criticism, and essays. He is often drawn to interdisciplinary and hybrid treatments and authorities seeking to complicate long-held assumptions.

How to submit

Submit to Sterling Lord Literistic through the official submissions page online form. SLL says it can only respond to queries if interested in seeing more material and does not represent screenplays.

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Represents

Literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, contemporary fiction, multicultural fiction, short stories, biography, history, cultural issues

Wants: Query letter, biographical information, previous publications, first thirty pages, proposal

Looking for

Kiele Raymond seeks bold new voices in literary fiction and narrative nonfiction. She is open to queries and particularly interested in narratives set in and around the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the American Southwest. She treats each project with editorial care and is interested in stories that examine individual and cultural modes of sense-making. She also likes authoritative-yet-evasive narrators, anti-heroes bound to institutions or ecosystems, and histories that show the importance of subversive communities and local action.

How to submit

Submit to Kiele Raymond through her QueryManager link from the official Thompson Literary bios page. Her QueryManager asks for a query letter, salient biographical information or previous publications, and an upload of the first 30 pages or, for nonfiction, the full proposal.

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Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, memoir, biography, literary fiction, narrative nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, first five to ten pages, bio

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

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Represents

Adult nonfiction, women's issues, pop culture, self-help, gift books, history, biography, literary legacies, narrative nonfiction, upmarket fiction

Wants: Query letter, author bio, first ten pages, overview, table of contents

Looking for

Laura Mazer specializes in adult nonfiction, especially women's issues, intelligent pop culture, counterintuitive self-help, packaged gift or concept books, geeky deep dives into everyday life, history, biography, and fresh celebrations of literary legacies, especially stories about women. She also represents select upmarket fiction.

How to submit

Email submissions to submissions@wsherman.com. Include your last name, title, and Laura Mazer's name in the subject line. For fiction, paste a query letter and the first 10 pages in the email body. For nonfiction, send a query letter and author bio, the agency guidelines also ask for a table of contents and overview for nonfiction. Do not send attachments or query multiple Wendy Sherman agents simultaneously.

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Represents

Big idea nonfiction, memoir, pop culture, pop science, psychology, philosophy, prescriptive nonfiction, ecology, cultural history, social history, narrative nonfiction, investigative journalism, biography, essays, criticism, cookbooks, literary fiction, commercial fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Lauren Hall is especially interested in wide-ranging nonfiction, including big idea books, high-concept and outward-facing memoir, pop culture, pop science, psychology, philosophy, voicey prescriptive projects, ecology, cultural and social history, deeply reported narrative, investigative journalism, biography, essays and criticism, and select design-driven books and cookbooks. She is also interested in select literary and commercial fiction, particularly absurdist or surreal but not fantastical narratives and characters with vivid inner lives.

How to submit

Email submissions to lauren@foliolit.com. Include the word QUERY and the title of the project in the subject line. Lauren Hall does not accept physical queries through the mail.

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Represents

Historical fiction, multicultural fiction, cozy mystery, romance, science fiction, speculative fiction, suspense, thrillers, upmarket women's fiction, fantasy, action and adventure, literary fiction, military fiction, advice and relationships, biography, business, economics, leadership, diet, health and medical, history, politics, current affairs, how-to, humor, lifestyle, memoir, narrative nonfiction, parenting, religion, spirituality, self-help, true crime, young adult

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first three chapters, first fifty pages, author bio, marketing plan, book proposal, target audience, competitive analysis, chapter outline, sample chapters

Looking for

Leticia Gomez is CEO and Founder of Savvy Literary Services and a literary, film, and television agent who champions underrepresented voices, especially underserved writers and readers. Savvy has placed fiction and nonfiction with traditional publishers and lists interest in historical, multicultural, cozy mystery, romance, speculative, suspense/thriller, upmarket women's fiction, fantasy, action/adventure, literary fiction, military, and a broad range of nonfiction including advice, biography, business, health, memoir, narrative nonfiction, parenting, self-help, and true crime.

How to submit

Complete the official Savvy submission form and email submission documents directly to Leticia Gomez at leticia@savvyliterary.com. Include Leticia's first name in the query letter and submit to only one Savvy agent. Fiction submissions should include a query or elevator pitch with title, genre, and word count, a synopsis, the first 3 chapters or 50 pages, a detailed author bio, and a marketing plan. Nonfiction submissions should include a query and a polished book proposal with overview, target audience, marketing plan, competitive analysis, author bio, chapter outline and descriptions, and at least 3 sample chapters.

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Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, memoir, history, biography, business, young adult, middle grade, self-help, psychology, science

Looking for

Rees Literary Agency represents literary and commercial fiction, memoirs, history, biography, business, young adult and middle grade, self-help, psychology, and science. The official contact page lists Lorin Rees as an agency contact at Lorin@reesagency.com.

How to submit

Email Lorin Rees at lorin@reesagency.com. The official site does not publish more detailed Lorin-specific submission materials in the exposed text.

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Represents

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, nonfiction, historical fiction, medical suspense, legal thrillers, women protagonists, biography, memoir, history, psychology, health, self-improvement, business, entrepreneurship, management, finance, business parables

Wants: Query letter, proposal, book proposal, overview, author platform, marketing plan, comparative works, chapter summaries, sample chapters

Looking for

Margret McBride is interested in a wide range of commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction, historical fiction, medical suspense, legal thrillers, and stories featuring strong female protagonists. Her nonfiction interests include biography, memoir, history, psychology, health, self-improvement, and business, especially entrepreneurship, management, and finance, with a particular weakness for perfectly executed business parables.

How to submit

Submit to Margret McBride through her official QueryTracker or QueryManager link. The agency asks writers to query only one agent at a time. For nonfiction, send a complete polished proposal with overview, author platform, promotion or marketing plan, comparative works, chapter summaries, and at least 2 sample chapters.

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Represents

Children's fiction, children's nonfiction, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, adult fiction, women's fiction, picture books, adult nonfiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, history, science and technology, art, biography, parenting, cooking and food, health and wellness, lifestyle, advice, relationships, personal finance, social justice, diverse voices

Wants: Query letter, one sentence pitch, first twenty pages, full nonfiction proposal, artwork or portfolio link

Looking for

Marie Lamba represents fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. In fiction she is currently seeking middle grade and young adult fiction and graphic novels, especially diverse points of view; general adult fiction, women's fiction, and adult graphic novels; select established illustrators and picture book authors; original rom-coms; contemporary and historical work; fresh non-gory ghost stories; fantasy and speculative elements; unique and funny romantasy; hidden treasures, artifacts, ancient civilizations, folklore, fairy tales, and books that are original, moving, or hilarious. In nonfiction she represents children's and adult work, including inspiring memoirs, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, history, science and technology for lay readers, art, biography, parenting, cooking and food, health and wellness, lifestyle, advice and relationships, personal finance, social justice, diverse voices, and books that improve society or help the environment.

How to submit

Submit only through Marie Lamba's official QueryManager page. JDLA asks writers to query one JDLA agent at a time and says it does not accept snail mail queries. Marie says emailed queries, social-media queries, and regular postal mail queries will be deleted or not considered. Her QueryManager form asks for author details, query letter, one-sentence pitch, publication status, the first 20 pages or full nonfiction proposal, and an art or portfolio link if applicable.

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Represents

Essays, literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, journalism, politics, history, memoir, biography, satire, cultural studies, science, sports

Wants: Query letter, first ten to fifteen pages, proposal, ai disclosure

Looking for

Matt McGowan is Vice President and Senior Agent at Frances Goldin Literary Agency. He is looking for emotionally, intellectually, and formally adventurous work of all kinds and is particularly interested in writers who believe nonfiction can be as artful as fiction. Queries for essays, literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, journalism, politics, history, memoir, biography, black humor/satire, cultural studies, science, and sports are all welcome.

How to submit

Email Matt McGowan at mm@goldinlit.com. Submit to only one Frances Goldin agent at a time. For fiction, memoir, essays, or narrative nonfiction, send a query letter and the first 10-15 pages in the body of the email. For all other nonfiction, send a query letter and attach a proposal if you have one. Submissions must be the original work of the author and not generated or co-written using AI tools.

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Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, story collections, thrillers, book club fiction, literary suspense, genre-bending fiction, upmarket women's fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, young adult fiction, underrepresented voices

Wants: Author biography, query letter, one sentence pitch, comparable books, first twenty pages, full nonfiction proposal, ai disclosure

Looking for

Michelle Brower is Founding Partner and Literary Agent at Trellis Literary Management. Her list spans literary and commercial fiction, from thought-provoking story collections to page-turning thrillers. She is primarily interested in work that focuses on storytelling and emotional connection rather than formal experimentation. She is looking for book club novels with commercial ideas and literary execution, literary fiction, literary suspense, genre fiction for a non-genre audience, and upmarket women's fiction. In nonfiction, she wants a personal story that illuminates a greater subject. She also very selectively represents literary YA fiction and supports underrepresented voices in all of these areas.

How to submit

Submit to Michelle Brower through her official QueryManager link. Trellis accepts unsolicited submissions only through QueryManager. Do not submit to multiple Trellis agents during the 8-12 week review window. Michelle's QueryManager form asks for an author bio, why Trellis, title, word count, genre, query letter, one-sentence pitch, comparable books, AI disclosure, and the first 20 pages or full nonfiction proposal.

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Represents

Young adult fiction, middle grade fiction, graphic novels, women's fiction, romance, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, horror, psychological thriller, narrative nonfiction, biography, culture, social justice, history

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first five pages, comparable books, full nonfiction proposal, ai disclosure

Looking for

Michelle Witte founded Mansion Street Literary Management and represents MG and YA fiction, graphic novels, adult fiction, and narrative nonfiction. In YA she is looking for rom-com, historical, science fiction and fantasy, horror, psychological thrillers, and mashups of those categories; in MG, fun voices in adventure, contemporary, mystery, humor, horror, speculative, science fiction and fantasy, plus select graphic novels. In adult fiction she seeks women's fiction, romance, and speculative work. For nonfiction she is interested in biographies, culture, social justice, and history with a fresh lens and a personal element.

How to submit

Submit to Michelle Witte through the official QueryManager link on the Mansion Street submissions page. Her form asks for project details, query letter, synopsis, comparable books, AI disclosure, and the first 5 pages or a full proposal for nonfiction. Mansion Street says if you do not hear back within 8 weeks, consider it a pass.

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Represents

Nonfiction, memoir, biography, business, cookbooks, design, health and wellness, humor, idea-driven nonfiction, journalism, lifestyle, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, psychology, religion, science and technology, self-help, social issues, sports, travel, true crime

Wants: Query letter, project description, book proposal

Looking for

Monika Verma represents distinctive voices in nonfiction. LGR lists her categories as memoir, biography, business, cookbooks, design, health and wellness, humor, idea-driven nonfiction, journalism, lifestyle, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, psychology, religion, science and technology, self-help, social issues, sports, travel, and true crime.

How to submit

Submit through Levine Greenberg Rostan's official online submission form. The form asks writers to choose the agent being queried and notes that Monika Verma is open to queries. The LGR submission page also lists submission-form guidance and warns writers to use official agency channels.

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Represents

Fiction, history, biography, environmental issues, nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, first five to ten pages

Looking for

Neil Olson is an agent at Massie McQuilkin & Altman. He has been in publishing for more than 30 years and is primarily interested in fiction, history, biography, and environmental issues.

How to submit

Email Neil Olson at neil@mmqalit.com. Include Query in the subject line, a query letter that briefly describes 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.

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Represents

Adult nonfiction, health, history, parenting, music, how-to, self-help, popular science, business, biography, sports, reference, cooking, writing, humor, spirituality, illustrated books, general interest

Wants: Query letter, proposal, sample chapters

Looking for

Rita Rosenkranz represents almost exclusively adult nonfiction. Her list includes health, history, parenting, music, how-to, popular science, business, biography, sports, popular reference, cooking, writing, humor, spirituality, illustrated books, and general interest titles. She represents first-time and seasoned authors and looks for projects that present familiar subjects freshly or lesser-known subjects commercially.

How to submit

Send a query letter by email to rrosenkranz@mindspring.com or by regular mail with SASE. If requested, send the proposal as a single Word document attachment labeled with the book project name. The agency does not accept screenplays, poetry, fiction, children's books, or YA books.

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Represents

Literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, history, biography, art history, cultural criticism, poetry

Wants: Query letter, first five to ten pages

Looking for

Rob McQuilkin is a partner at Massie McQuilkin & Altman. He specializes in fiction, memoir, history, cultural criticism, and poetry; MMQA's contact page says he focuses on literary fiction as well as narrative nonfiction and nonfiction in memoir, history, biography, art history, and cultural criticism.

How to submit

Email a query to the attention of Rob McQuilkin 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.

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Represents

Nonfiction, memoir, journalism, biography, humor, lgbtq and voices, social issues

Wants: Query letter, proposal

Looking for

Robert Guinsler is Vice President at Sterling Lord Literistic and represents a wide variety of prize-winning and New York Times bestselling nonfiction authors and projects. His list includes geopolitical journalism, impassioned memoirs, comedic collections, LGBTQ+ voices, and work across the nonfiction spectrum.

How to submit

Submit through Sterling Lord Literistic's official submissions page. SLL uses its online submissions portal rather than email queries, can only respond if interested in seeing more material, and does not represent screenplays.

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Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, suspense, science fiction, fantasy, horror, historical fiction, family saga, women's fiction, young adult, narrative nonfiction, history, biography, science, business, psychology, pop culture, food writing

Wants: Query letter, first five pages, proposal

Looking for

Sandy Lu founded Book Wyrm Literary Agency after more than a decade as a literary agent. In fiction she seeks stories with a unique voice, thrilling plot, lasting characters, humor or emotion, and especially loves historical fiction, atmospheric world-building, and anything dark, twisted, or with a supernatural bent. In nonfiction she looks for projects that connect unexpected topics, explain complex research for general audiences, introduce cutting-edge science or little-known historical facts and figures, teach useful skills, or expand readers' knowledge of the world. Book Wyrm submissions are open for literary and commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, suspense, science fiction, fantasy, horror, historical fiction, family saga, upmarket women's fiction, YA, narrative nonfiction, history, biography, science, business, psychology, pop culture, and food writing.

How to submit

Submit through Sandy Lu's official Book Wyrm linked QueryManager form. The form asks for author details, book title, word count, genre, query letter, AI disclosure, publication history, and the first 5 pages, or a full proposal for nonfiction. Book Wyrm does not accept email queries.

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Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

Email Laura directly at lbp@cbltd.com and attach the first 50 pages of your project. Include 'lbpquery' in the subject line.

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Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction, pop culture, biography, journalism, memoir, self-help

Wants: Query letter, first five pages

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

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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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

Send query via Query Manager at https://querymanager.com or KGRIMM with query letter, first 30 pages, and author biography.

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Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

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Represents

Fiction, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, biography, first five pages

Looking for

She gravitates towards fiction with memorable characters, captivating voices, and original plotting, and relishes a great page-turner as much as a literary masterpiece. She is intrigued by a wide range of nonfiction, from narrative to practical, especially focusing on lifestyle, parenting, women's issues, and memoirs that exhibit quirky perspectives. She does not work with science fiction, horror, romance, or paranormal novels.

How to submit

Please email at Caryn@defliterary.com, using the word 'Query' and your book's title in the subject line. Please include a brief, compelling description of the book in the email, along with a short bio, and for fiction and memoir, please include the first five pages of the manuscript in the body of the email. Attachments will not be opened unless requested.

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Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

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Represents

Nonfiction, cultural history, biography, art history, film, religion and spirituality, psychology, philosophy, popular science, self-help, health and nutrition, pop culture, subcultures, fashion, food narrative, cookbooks

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

Dado Derviskadic loves working with writers who have deep and singular insight into their chosen world. In nonfiction he is primarily interested in cultural history, biography, art history, film, religion and spirituality, psychology, philosophy, pop science and motivational self-help, health and nutrition, pop culture and subcultures, fashion, food narrative, and cookbooks.

How to submit

Send queries to dado@foliolitmanagement.com with the query letter and first ten pages of the manuscript or proposal in the body of the email. Write QUERY in the subject line. If there is no response within 4 weeks, assume the project is not right for him.

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Literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, cultural history, politics, biography, arts

Wants: Query letter, short bio, first ten pages

Looking for

Edward Orloff is interested in literary fiction and narrative nonfiction, especially cultural history, politics, biography, and the arts.

How to submit

Email queries to queries@mccormicklit.com and indicate in the subject line that you are querying Edward Orloff. Include a query letter describing the work, a short bio, and up to ten sample pages in the body of the email. Do not send attachments.

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Represents

Literary fiction, nonfiction, cultural history, political nonfiction, hybrid memoir, literary criticism, biography, literature in translation

Wants: Query letter, bio, first five to ten pages

Looking for

Elianna Kan represents international literary voices in any language, literary fiction, and literary nonfiction in English. She is particularly interested in voice-driven literary fiction and select nonfiction, including cultural history, political reportage, hybrid memoir, literary criticism, and biography. She reads and edits in English and Spanish and is a native Russian speaker, and is drawn to voice-driven narratives from underrepresented places.

How to submit

Email queries directly to Elianna Kan at elianna@mmqalit.com. MMQA asks for a query letter briefly describing the project, relevant personal or professional information, the word Query in the subject line, and the first 5-10 pages pasted into the body of the email. Query only one MMQA agent at a time.

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Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

Contact Bill Ames at bill@amesliterary.com for submission instructions, which vary based on genre, length, and topic.

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Represents

General fiction, literary fiction, mainstream fiction, mystery, romance, 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 5-10 pages, writing credentials

Looking for

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.

How to submit

Email a query letter, synopsis, first 5-10 pages, and any writing credentials to mca@mariacarvainisagency.com. The agency does not represent screenplays, children's picture books, science fiction, or poetry.

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Represents

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

Looking for

Priya represents fiction, nonfiction, authors, and screenwriters, with AALA-listed interests including debut fiction, horror, mystery, thriller, romance, general fiction, literary fiction, and biography.

How to submit

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.

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Represents

Literary fiction, essay collections, cultural criticism, military history, intellectual history, narrative journalism, narrative nonfiction, practical nonfiction, biography, history, memoir, pop culture, young adult, middle grade, upmarket women's fiction

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

Benjamin is interested in representing literary fiction, essay collections, cultural criticism, military and intellectual history, and narrative journalism. The agency also welcomes narrative/practical nonfiction, biography, history, memoir, pop culture, literary fiction, young adult, middle grade, 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.

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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.

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Literary fiction, commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, suspense, historical fiction, biography, memoir, narrative history, pop culture, sports, travel, health, medicine, science, multicultural

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, author bio

Looking for

BJ Robbins represents quality fiction, both literary and commercial, and general nonfiction, with particular interest in memoir, biography, narrative history, pop culture, sports, travel and adventure, medicine and health. The agency is especially looking for literary/commercial crossovers with book-club potential, smart speculative fiction, and multicultural stories.

How to submit

Email BJ Robbins with a succinct description of the work, relevant bio information, and the first ten pages in the body of the email. Do not send attachments unless requested.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Represents

Narrative nonfiction, history, biography, politics, current affairs, foreign affairs, memoir, food, health, adventure, environment, travel, historical fiction

Wants: Query letter, first three pages

Looking for

Deborah is interested in narrative nonfiction in history, biography, politics, current and foreign affairs, memoir, food, health, adventure, the environment and travel, especially academic writers ready to move to more popular writing. For fiction, she is interested in great storytelling, especially in a historical context.

How to submit

Email queries only, with no attachments. For fiction, paste the first three pages into the email. For nonfiction, include evidence of a full-length book idea, author credentials, and market.

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Fiction, nonfiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, romance, mystery, thriller, memoir, narrative nonfiction, self-help, health, wellness, cookbooks, business, biography

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Denise says she will look at anything, with emphasis on strong writing and storytelling across fiction and nonfiction. Her stated interests include literary and commercial fiction, women's fiction, romance, mystery, thriller, memoir, narrative nonfiction, self-help, health and wellness, cookbooks, business, and biography.

How to submit

Submit through the Barone Literary online submissions form. Include a query letter, synopsis, and sample pages as requested by the form.

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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.

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Fiction, nonfiction, memoir, food writing, cookbooks, nature, environment, biography, pop culture, travel, adventure, true crime, politics, health, fitness, picture books, middle grade, young adult

Wants: Pitch

Looking for

The Unter Agency is interested in quality fiction and general nonfiction, especially memoir, food/cooking, nature/environment, biography, pop culture, travel/adventure, true crime, politics and health/fitness, plus all types of children's literature.

How to submit

Email Jennifer Unter with a pitch at Jennifer@theunteragency.com. If there is no response within three months, consider it a pass.

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Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, mystery, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, middle grade, biography, history, pop culture, sports, business, wellness, narrative nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio

Looking for

Jonathan represents a select fiction and nonfiction list including mysteries, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, middle grade, biographies, history, pop culture, sports, business, wellness, and general narrative nonfiction.

How to submit

Email a query through the protected email listed on the Lyons and Salky literary representation page with a synopsis and short author biography in the body of the email. Do not include attachments or sample chapters.

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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.

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Represents

Narrative nonfiction, popular science, spirituality, history, biography, pop culture, business, technology, parenting, health, self-help, music, food, thriller, crime fiction, science fiction, fantasy, military fiction, literary fiction, middle grade, young adult

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, opening pages

Looking for

Peter specializes in high-quality fiction and nonfiction, including narrative nonfiction, popular science, spirituality, history, biography, pop culture, business and technology, parenting, health, self-help, music, food, literate thrillers, crime fiction, science fiction, fantasy, military fiction, literary fiction, middle grade, and some boy-oriented young adult.

How to submit

Query Peter through the QueryTracker link on his FinePrint profile. FinePrint asks writers not to submit to more than one FinePrint agent at a time and to follow the selected agent's preferred submission method.

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Thriller, mystery, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, romance, science fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, biography, middle grade

Wants: Query letter, first chapter

Looking for

Ronald is focused on cinematic stories with strong hooks and relatable characters, and is actively looking for thriller and mystery, historical and contemporary fiction, romance, grounded science fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir and biography, and middle grade.

How to submit

Email a query letter to assistant@bookhaven.com with the word "Query" in the subject line and the first chapter attached as a Word document.

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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.

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Represents

Nonfiction, popular reference, business, health, psychology, poker, spirituality, self-help, humor, cookbooks, pop culture, biography, women's issues, decorating, crafts, music

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Sheree is currently only considering nonfiction, including popular reference, business, health, psychology, poker, spirituality, self-help, humor, cookbooks, pop culture, biography, women's issues, decorating, crafts, music, and related adult nonfiction.

How to submit

Email a one-page nonfiction query in the body of the email to shereebee@aol.com. Put Query and your name in the subject line. Do not send attachments unless requested.

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Literary fiction, memoir, politics, journalism, cultural history, biography

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Literary fiction and nonfiction in the areas of memoir, politics, journalism, cultural history, and biography. In fiction: beautiful writing, unforgettable characters, family stories, socially engaged writing, and compelling plots

How to submit

Send queries to the attention of Max Moorhead at max@mmqalit.com

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Represents

Literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, biography, cultural studies, history, current events, hybrid work, memoir, popular culture, science

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, first 10 pages

Looking for

Literary fiction and a wide variety of narrative nonfiction (including biography, cultural studies, history/current events, hybrid work, memoir, popular culture, and science)

How to submit

Send queries directly to michael@mmqalit.com with subject line 'query' and include synopsis, publication history, brief bio, and excerpt up to 10 pages

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Voice-driven fiction, short story collections, narrative nonfiction, science, history, biography, memoir, pop culture

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, first 3 chapters

Looking for

Voice-driven fiction, short story collections, narrative nonfiction (especially science, history, biography, memoir, and pop culture)

How to submit

Query her directly at renee@mmqalit.com with word 'query' in subject line, attach excerpt up to three sample chapters as Word document

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Represents

Cookbooks, culinary, health, wellness, lifestyle, food narrative, women's non-fiction, caregiving, parenting, select non-fiction

Wants: Book proposal with all essential components including title page, concept/overview, author biography, markets, promotion plan, competition analysis, table of contents, chapter summaries, and complete sample material

Looking for

Culinary, health, wellness, and lifestyle talent, from first-time cookbook authors to chefs, restaurant owners, professional food writers, bloggers, online creators, and journalists, plus books about caregiving, parenting, and other select non-fiction genres

How to submit

Full proposal required - see comprehensive guidance on website

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Represents

History, science, medical, politics, biography, literary fiction, poetry, theology

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Don roams widely in terms of subject areas and categories, but what catches his attention first is the author's voice. He is particularly drawn to historians, scientists, medical writers, political commentators, novelists, poets, and theologians.

How to submit

Send a query letter using the online form to one 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.

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Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction, popular culture, history, politics, women's issues, biography, science, essays

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Ellen treasures working with brilliant authors of literary fiction and loves to handle well-written popular commercial fiction. She represents memoir, narrative non-fiction, popular culture, history, politics, women's issues, biography, science, essayistic work, and the odd quirky book. She enjoys guiding established authors' careers and loves discovering fresh talent and new voices.

How to submit

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 until requested.

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Represents

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, young adult, children's books, biography, memoir, music, popular science, politics, social justice, adult illustrated, cookbooks, sports, health and wellness, fashion, art, design, popular culture

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Thompson Literary is always on the lookout for both commercial and literary fiction, as well as young adult and children's books. Nonfiction is their specialty, with interests including biography, memoir, music, popular science, politics, social justice, adult illustrated, cookbooks, sports, health and wellness, fashion, art, design, and popular culture.

How to submit

All agents at Thompson Literary Agency are now accepting queries through Query Manager. Please click to view agent bios, which have specific query instructions for each.

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Represents

Fantasy, romance, mystery, horror, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, science fiction, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, biography, sample pages

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

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Represents

Graphic novels, young adult contemporary, young adult science fiction, young adult fantasy, adult romance, adult non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, biography, first 10 pages

Looking for

He loves lyrical prose, wordplay, and humor. He is especially excited about working with queer, neurodivergent, BIPOC, and disabled creators. In Young Adult, he seeks contemporary realistic fiction and science fiction/fantasy. In adult fiction, he wants queer romance. For nonfiction, he prefers accessible, queer, and neurodivergent works.

How to submit

Fill out his submission form via QueryManager. Submit one agent at a time, but can submit to up to three ALA agents if one passes. Include polished query letter, bio, and complete work.

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Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, mystery, historical fiction, biography, memoir, history, young adult fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

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Represents

Adult fiction, adult non-fiction, children's books, historical fiction, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, romance, fantasy, science fiction, biography, memoir, middle grade, young adult, picture books

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first 10 pages

Looking for

In Adult Fiction she seeks captivating settings and relatable characters that highlight virtues like empathy and self-sacrifice in historical, literary/upmarket, romance, or fantasy/science fiction genres. In Adult Non-fiction she wants well-researched titles that make complex topics accessible, biography and memoir that connect diverse readers, and books about poverty and justice. For children's literature, she loves books that can be read aloud and shared with families, especially middle grade, and seeks books with hopeful, informative, or lyrical tones.

How to submit

Starting January 2026, queries must be submitted through QueryManager only. Address your query to the specific agent you think would be the best fit. Only send one query to Dunham Literary as agents share queries with each other when appropriate.

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Represents

Narrative nonfiction, literary commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, legal thriller, psychological thriller, domestic thriller, biography, history, science, sports, travel

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

Anne-Lise Spitzer is president of Spitzer Agency. Current public materials describe interest in narrative nonfiction from writers with diverse voices, literary commercial fiction, mysteries, legal, psychological, and domestic thrillers, plus biography, history, science, sports, and travel.

How to submit

The Spitzer Agency site says it is not accepting new clients for representation at this time.

Represents

Nonfiction, fiction, politics, current events, biography, memoir, practical nonfiction, commercial fiction, literary fiction

Looking for

Gary Morris has worked on books in many categories, including politics and current events, biography, memoir, practical nonfiction, commercial fiction, and literary fiction.

How to submit

Gary Morris is currently not accepting unsolicited queries. The David Black Agency submissions page lists the agents currently accepting new queries, and Gary Morris is not listed there as open.

Represents

History, biography, art, architecture, science, religion, literary fiction, thrillers, mystery, science fiction, fantasy

Looking for

Howard Morhaim represents authorities in history, biography, art, architecture, science, and religion, as well as canonical authors in literary fiction, thrillers, mystery, science fiction, and fantasy.

How to submit

Howard Morhaim does not accept unsolicited submissions at any time. The agency says he only considers exclusive submissions that come as recommendations from colleagues or clients.

Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, biography

Looking for

Joy Harris works primarily with literary fiction, strongly written commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction across a broad range of topics, memoir, and biography. She is drawn to a clear, original voice, an engaging point of view, and strong characters.

How to submit

The Joy Harris Literary Agency is not accepting unsolicited submissions at this time according to its official contact page.

Represents

Adult fiction, narrative nonfiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, romance, retellings, beach reads, family drama, amish romance, clean fiction, historical fiction, psychological suspense, domestic suspense, history, biography, science, sports, memoir

Looking for

Lindsay Guzzardo is founder of Keystone Literary Agency and a literary agent for adult fiction and nonfiction. She is drawn to high-concept, commercial premises with clear, marketable hooks and strong voices. Her fiction tastes include classic retellings, beach reads, family dynamics, mother-daughter and sister relationships, Amish romance and fiction, wholesome clean fiction and romance, cozy small-town romance and fiction, rich historical fiction, fiction featuring historical figures, European-set fiction, dark psychological and domestic suspense, and past/present family dramas. She welcomes nonfiction proposals from journalists and experts in history, biography, science, sports, narrative nonfiction, and memoir with a strong platform.

How to submit

Submit through Lindsay Guzzardo's official QueryManager form during the first week of the month. The linked QueryManager page was checked on 2026-05-25 and says she is not accepting queries at this time because she opens during the first week of the month.

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Represents

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, nonfiction, history, military history, biography, narrative nonfiction

Looking for

Michael Congdon is President of Don Congdon Associates. He has represented a variety of commercial and literary fiction as well as nonfiction, including history, military history, biography, and narrative nonfiction.

How to submit

Michael Congdon is no longer taking on new clients and is permanently closed to queries according to the official Don Congdon Associates agents page.

Represents

Adult fiction, adult nonfiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, women's fiction, memoir, history, biography, psychology, popular culture, current affairs, science, parenting, cookbooks

Looking for

Robin Straus Agency represents high quality adult fiction and nonfiction, including literary and commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, women's fiction, memoir, history, biography, psychology, popular culture, current affairs, science, parenting, and cookbooks.

How to submit

Robin Straus Agency is not accepting new unsolicited submissions at this time according to the official submissions page.

Represents

Literary fiction, women's fiction, mystery, thriller, narrative nonfiction, memoir, graphic memoir, psychology, self-help, popular culture, women's issues, history, biography, lifestyle, careers, health, medicine, parenting, cooking, nutrition, gardening, gift books

Looking for

Betsy Amster Literary Enterprises is interested in literary fiction, upscale commercial women's fiction, voice-driven mysteries and thrillers, narrative nonfiction especially by journalists, travelogues, memoirs including graphic memoirs, social issues and trends, psychology, self-help, popular culture, women's issues, history and biography, lifestyle, careers, health and medicine, parenting, cooking and nutrition, gardening, and quirky gift books.

How to submit

Betsy Amster Literary Enterprises is currently closed to submissions so the agency can focus on existing clients.

Represents

Narrative nonfiction, biography, memoir, commercial fiction, romance, women's fiction, historical fiction, mystery, thriller, cozy mystery, middle grade, young adult

Looking for

Carrie Pestritto represents projects across a range of genres and is drawn to immersive writing, engaging voices, meticulous world-building, and compelling premises. LDLA lists her interests as adult narrative nonfiction, biography/memoir, commercial fiction with a literary twist, fresh chick-lit, romance, upmarket women's fiction, near-historical fiction from about the Gilded Age on, mystery/thrillers for a female audience, cozies, and high-concept commercial MG and YA in contemporary, historical, mystery/thriller, horror, or fantasy genres, especially featuring POC or marginalized characters, high stakes, and exciting plot lines.

How to submit

Carrie Pestritto is currently closed to queries. LDLA accepts queries via QueryManager only and says writers should submit to one agent at a time with one complete project. Carrie's official linked QueryManager page says she is not accepting queries at this time and suggests checking colleagues' bios while she is closed.

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Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, history, biography, politics, psychology, lgbtq and, women's issues, arts, investigative journalism, thrillers, historical fiction, multicultural fiction

Looking for

Ellen Geiger represents a broad range of fiction and nonfiction. Her special interests include multicultural and social issues, change, history, biography, progressive politics, psychology, gay and women's issues, the arts, serious investigative journalism, good thrillers, novels that provoke and challenge the status quo, historical fiction, and multicultural works.

How to submit

Ellen Geiger is not accepting unsolicited queries at this time.

Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, mystery, thriller, middle grade, young adult, history, biography, current events, long-form journalism, popular science, children's books

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

Gina represents literary and upmarket fiction and narrative nonfiction for adults and children. In fiction she looks for upmarket novels, mysteries and thrillers, middle grade, and young adult. Nonfiction interests include history, biography, current events, long-form journalism, and popular science.

How to submit

Closed to submissions.

Represents

Biography, history, memoir, popular culture, music writing, journalism, politics, health, parenting, practical nonfiction, contemporary affairs, social issues, general reference

Looking for

Nonfiction across popular culture, biography, history, politics, journalism, memoir, parenting, health, practical nonfiction, contemporary affairs, social issues, and general reference. Accepts submissions through referral only.

How to submit

Sarah Lazin accepts submissions through referral only. Prospective clients should seek an introduction from an existing client, publishing professional, or conference contact.

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Represents

General fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, biography, history, african american literature

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

The Philip G. Spitzer Literary Agency lists genres and specialties as general fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, biography, history, and African American literature.

How to submit

The agency is not accepting new clients for representation at this time.

Represents

Literary fiction, fiction, memoir, biography, self-improvement, spirituality, contemporary issues, narrative nonfiction, nonfiction, young adult

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Cynthia Cannell Literary Agency represents fiction as well as memoir, biography, self-improvement, spirituality, and nonfiction on contemporary issues.

How to submit

The agency contact page says it is not currently accepting unsolicited queries. The public contact email is info@cannellagency.com, but writers should not send unsolicited queries while closed.

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Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, memoir, biography, history, business, health, science, pop culture, current affairs, narrative nonfiction, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, literary fiction

Wants: Personal recommendation only

Looking for

Joëlle represents adult fiction and nonfiction. The agency no longer accepts children's books, YA, middle grade, picture books, screenplays, novellas or poetry.

How to submit

Joelle Delbourgo Associates is currently closed to queries except through personal recommendation.

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Represents

Historical narrative, biography, offbeat fiction, nonfiction, children's books, nature writing

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

William has a long-running interest in historical narratives, biography, slightly offbeat fiction and nonfiction, children's books, and nature writing.

How to submit

William Reiss is closed to submissions according to the current John Hawkins and Associates agent profile.

Represents

Narrative nonfiction, history, politics, current affairs, science, biography

Looking for

Nonfiction that illuminates contemporary issues and shapes public discourse, particularly from academics whose research reaches beyond academia, narrative journalists, and historians who explore politics, history, current affairs, and science with fresh perspective and rigor

How to submit

Submit your query through Aevitas Creative Management's contact and submissions form. Include a clear description of your project, your relevant credentials and expertise, and sample pages or a synopsis as appropriate to your genre.

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Represents

Narrative nonfiction, biography, memoir, music history, self-help, cookbook, psychology, cultural studies

Looking for

Clients who ask big questions, explore fascinating subcultures, and serve as paradigm-shifters in their fields. Particularly interested in performing artists and public figures successful in one medium whose talents and perspectives extend into narrative nonfiction. Represents thought leaders, journalists, doctors, psychologists, and cultural figures whose work inspires, entertains, and educates while challenging conventional thinking.

How to submit

Other submissions

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Represents

Investigative journalism, history, current affairs, science, memoir, biography, literary fiction

Looking for

Investigative journalists, thought leaders, memoirists, and prominent academics working in investigative journalism, history, current affairs, science, and big ideas that reshape public discourse. Books with intellectual rigor and cultural impact, particularly those exploring complex social and political subjects.

How to submit

Submit to Aevitas Creative Management using their contact and submissions form available on their website. Include a query letter describing your project, along with relevant credentials and platform information. Address submissions to the New York office.

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Represents

Nonfiction, biography, narrative nonfiction, memoir, food writing, food politics, cookbooks, lifestyle, parenting, psychology

Wants: Query letter, nonfiction proposal, sample chapter

Looking for

Angela Miller represents general nonfiction, biography, narrative nonfiction, memoir, food writing, food politics, cookbooks, lifestyle, parenting, psychology, and authors or writers with significant platforms. Her official profile says she is looking for new talent as well as established authors and writers with significant platforms, excellent writing, and proposals she can help develop from concept to sale.

How to submit

Folio asks writers to review Folio agents, choose the right agent, and follow the submission guidelines on the individual agent page. Angela Miller's official profile does not publish a direct query email or form, so no specific public submission route is currently available on the official page.

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Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, historical fiction, biography, history, narrative nonfiction, memoir, science, politics, current events, sports, economics, psychology

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Esmond represents fiction and nonfiction, with interests including literary and commercial fiction, historical fiction, biography, history, narrative nonfiction, memoir, science, politics/current events, sports, economics, and psychology.

How to submit

Aevitas provides a contact and submissions form for agency inquiries. Verify current availability before submitting because the agent profile does not publish a specific open-query status.

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Represents

Nonfiction, memoir, health, psychology, parenting, science, self-help, spirituality, popular culture, business, biography

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Laura Yorke Literary Services focuses on helping writers develop and represent strong nonfiction, memoir, health, psychology, parenting, science, self-help, spirituality, pop culture and related adult projects.

How to submit

The official site gives Laura Yorke's contact email but does not publish detailed current query guidelines.

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Represents

Literary fiction, international fiction, narrative nonfiction, historical biography, memoir, business, science

Looking for

Both seasoned authors and new voices in fiction and nonfiction. She specializes in literary fiction and has a soft spot in her heart for international fiction hailing from the homeland of authors like William Trevor, Edna O'Brien, and Zadie Smith, not to mention Rohinton Mistry, Mario Vargas Llosa and J.M. Coetzee and Nadine Gordimer. She is also interested in continuing to build a narrative nonfiction list in the genres of historical biography, memoir, business, and science

How to submit

Email: christina@unionliterary.com

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