PairPi

US Commercial fiction Literary Agents

268 agents · 172 currently open to submissions

Commercial fiction agents in the United States represent everything from book club favourites and beach reads to crossover literary novels with mainstream appeal. The category spans domestic thrillers like Gone Girl, women's fiction exploring family dynamics, workplace novels, and relationship-driven stories that prioritise plot momentum alongside character development. Some agents focus on upmarket commercial fiction that bridges literary and mainstream markets, while others prefer high-concept premises, series potential, or stories with film adaptation possibilities. The boundaries often blur with adjacent categories: romantic elements might push a manuscript toward romance agents, psychological complexity toward literary fiction representatives, or suspense threads toward thriller specialists. Many commercial fiction agents also handle memoir, young adult crossover titles, or genre fiction with commercial sensibilities. Before submitting, examine recent client deals and social media presence to understand whether an agent gravitates toward contemporary settings, historical backdrops, or specific themes like family secrets, second chances, or small-town dynamics.

Refine search
Represents

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

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'

Last checked 19 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, history, memoir, culture, politics, science, natural history

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, first 30 pages

Looking for

Literary and commercial fiction that put immersive storytelling and authentic emotional consequences front and center. In nonfiction, deeply reported narrative nonfiction, history and singular memoir

How to submit

Send query letter and first 30 pages (fiction) or query letter and book proposal (nonfiction) to aram@mmqalit.com with 'Query' in subject line

Last checked 19 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, book club fiction, grounded speculative, horror, thrillers, narrative nonfiction, practical nonfiction, poetry, ya

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages

Looking for

Literary and book club fiction, grounded speculative, horror, thrillers, narrative and practical nonfiction, as well as select poetry and YA

How to submit

Email queries directly to Ashley at ashley@mmqalit.com with word 'query' and project title in subject line, include first 10 pages in body of email

Last checked 19 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, mg fiction, ya fiction, adult commercial fiction, fantasy, mystery or thriller, upmarket women's fiction

Looking for

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.

How to submit

Use QueryManager link provided

Last checked 18 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Commercial women's fiction, ya, contemporary romance, thrillers, suspense, historical fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first three chapters

Looking for

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

How to submit

Complete the form with query letter, synopsis, and first three chapters

Last checked 16 Jul 2026Via Form
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, cultural history, current affairs, memoir, politics, science, sports, technology

Looking for

Literary and commercial fiction, as well as nonfiction spanning cultural history, current affairs, memoir, politics, science, sports, and technology. Nonfiction interests range widely from data and surveillance to sports, food culture, and military history. Particularly interested in authors and projects with the potential for both critical recognition and commercial success.

How to submit

Submit queries through the contact and submissions form available on the Aevitas Creative Management website, or contact the agency by phone at and 1 (212) 765-6900.

Last checked 14 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Suspense, literary fiction, commercial fiction, current affairs, politics, history

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

Looking for

Will is looking for original and unpredictable suspense novels, both literary and commercial, plus nonfiction focused on current affairs, politics, and history.

How to submit

Email info@thegernertco.com with a query letter describing the work, author information, and a sample chapter if appropriate. Indicate which agent you are querying, do not email agents directly.

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror, young adult, middle grade, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, food, travel, lifestyle, lgbtq and, latinx

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Lauren is interested in commercial, literary, and upmarket fiction; mystery, suspense, thriller, romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror, young adult, and middle grade; and nonfiction with a strong platform in narrative nonfiction, pop culture, food, travel, lifestyle, LGBTQ+, and Latinx topics.

How to submit

Submit via Lauren Abramo's QueryManager form following Dystel, Goderich and Bourret submission guidelines. Include the query materials requested by QueryManager, do not email queries outside the stated process.

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, mystery, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction, trade nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, sample pages

Looking for

The agency works with commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers and mysteries, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction with a strong narrative hook, and trade nonfiction.

How to submit

Email agent@ethanellenberg.com, indicating the agent, manuscript title, and genre in the subject line. Paste all materials in the body: for fiction, query letter, 1-2 page synopsis, and first 50 pages, for nonfiction, query letter, outline, and sample chapters up to 50 pages.

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, psychological thriller, practical nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, food, lifestyle

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

Looking for

Anna represents smart literary and commercial fiction, psychological thrillers, practical and narrative nonfiction, food and drink, and lifestyle.

How to submit

Email info@thegernertco.com with a query letter describing the work, author information, and a sample chapter if appropriate. Indicate which agent you are querying, do not email agents directly.

Last checked 12 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

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.

Last checked 12 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, adult nonfiction, commercial horror, fantasy, grounded science fiction, mystery, thriller, pop culture, cultural history, spiritual, occult, cookbooks, food writing

Wants: Query letter, creator bio, first ten pages

Looking for

Alexandra Grana is an associate literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency representing adult fiction and nonfiction. In fiction, she is looking for commercial horror, fantasy, grounded science fiction, mysteries, thrillers, gothic horror, atmospheric stories, inventive stories with big hooks, dramatic and messy feelings, diverse stories from marginalized perspectives, and stories inspired by folklore. In nonfiction, she is looking for pop culture, cultural history, spiritual, occult, cookbooks, and food writing from creators with fresh approaches to their subject matter.

How to submit

Email query@psliterary.com and address the query to Alexandra Grana. P.S. Literary asks for a query in the email body with an introduction, brief overview, and creator bio. For adult fiction, adult memoir, adult nonfiction essay collections, and children's fiction or nonfiction, include the first ten pages in the body of the email. Do not send attachments, full manuscripts, phone queries, paper queries, social media queries, original screenplays, poetry, or AI-generated work. Query one P.S. Literary agent at a time.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Narrative nonfiction, memoir, self-help, pop culture, social justice, literary fiction, book club fiction, thriller, historical fiction, horror, jewish issues, young adult

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio

Looking for

Alicia is seeking narrative nonfiction from writers with diverse voices, memoir with big concepts, self-help, pop culture, social justice, literary fiction, book club fiction, thrillers, historical fiction, horror, Jewish issues, and YA fiction and nonfiction.

How to submit

Submit through the Alicia Brooks Literary Agency contact form with a query letter, project synopsis, author bio, contact information, genre, subgenre, word count, and a subject formatted as project title by author name. A full manuscript or proposal will be requested if there is interest.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Adult fiction, book club fiction, women's fiction, romance, romantic comedy, thriller, suspense, memoir, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, women's issues

Wants: Query letter, bio, comparable books, first twenty pages or proposal

Looking for

Allison Hunter is acquiring literary and commercial adult fiction, especially upmarket book club and women's fiction, romance and rom-coms, thrillers, and domestic suspense. She likes great storytelling, unforgettable characters, female friendship stories, campus novels, love stories, family epics, class and cultural identity, smart beach reads by underrepresented authors, select memoir, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, women's issues, and books speaking to the current cultural climate.

How to submit

Submit through Allison Hunter's official QueryManager form. Trellis accepts unsolicited submissions only through QueryManager and asks writers not to submit to multiple Trellis agents during the 8-12 week review window. Her form asks for author bio, why Trellis, title, word count, genre, query letter, comparable books, and the first 20 pages or full nonfiction proposal.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Young adult, horror, science fiction, fantasy, romance, women's fiction, commercial fiction, book club fiction, speculative fiction, thriller, nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, one sentence pitch

Looking for

Amy wants fiction with messy characters, unreliable narrators, diverse casts, social commentary, and big twists. She is interested in YA horror, grounded science fiction/fantasy and gothic; adult and new-adult romance, women's fiction, horror/speculative fiction, thrillers, and selected platform-driven nonfiction.

How to submit

Submit through Amy's official QueryManager route with a query letter, synopsis, one-sentence pitch, and first 10 pages pasted into the form. Review her current exclusions before querying.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Women's fiction, historical fiction, grounded speculative fiction, contemporary romance, thriller, psychological suspense, book club fiction, commercial fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first three chapters, proposal, sample chapters, bio, publishing history

Looking for

Amy Tannenbaum represents women's fiction, historical fiction, grounded speculative fiction, contemporary romance, thriller, psychological suspense, fiction in the sweet spot between literary and commercial, and works by marginalized voices.

How to submit

Send queries for Amy Tannenbaum to atannenbaum@janerotrosen.com. Include all material in the body of the email with no attachments. Jane Rotrosen Agency asks writers to query one agent at the agency and include a concise description, relevant bio, publishing history, and for fiction a synopsis and first three chapters or for nonfiction a proposal and sample chapters.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, upmarket fiction, women's fiction, romance, mystery, horror, romantasy, young adult, narrative nonfiction, middle grade

Wants: Query letter, first twenty five pages, proposal, sample chapter, bio, comparable books

Looking for

Ann Leslie Tuttle is seeking commercial and upmarket women's fiction, contemporary and historical fiction, fiction with complex family dynamics and sagas, psychological thrillers, romance, mystery, horror, romantasy, YA, narrative nonfiction by journalists, academics, and experts with a timely premise and platform, stories with strong sense of place, voice-driven fiction, female hidden histories, uplifting work, select faith or art history projects, MG, and nonfiction from underrepresented voices.

How to submit

Submit by email to atuttle@dystel.com. Dystel asks writers to query one agent at a time, include the full query in the body of the email, and include the first 25 pages for fiction or a proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction in the email body. Picture book and graphic novel submissions have separate sample requirements listed on the official guidelines page.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, science fiction, fantasy, horror, thriller, mystery, historical fiction, romance, commercial fiction, literary fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Anne represents adult fiction, with public listings and author-facing materials emphasizing genre and commercial fiction including science fiction, fantasy, horror, thriller, mystery, historical, romance, commercial, and literary fiction.

How to submit

Submit through Anne Tibbets' QueryTracker or QueryManager form. Do not query Anne at the same time as another Donald Maass Literary Agency agent.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Thriller, mystery, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, young adult, adult fiction, horror, suspense

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

Barbara is looking for high-octane thrillers, edgy mysteries, literary, upmarket and commercial YA and adult fiction, suspense, horror and anything with a unique voice.

How to submit

Email Barbara.queries@wordonelit.com with the query letter and first 10 pages of the work in the body of the email.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, nonfiction, memoir, biography, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, middle grade, children's, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, credentials

Looking for

Writers House represents adult and juvenile fiction and nonfiction, including literary and commercial fiction, science fiction/fantasy, memoir, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, juvenile books, picture books and illustrators.

How to submit

Email an individual Writers House agent with a query letter, credentials, an explanation of what makes the book unique, a synopsis, and ten pages in the body of the email. Check individual Publishers Marketplace profiles for agent-specific requirements.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, mystery, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction, trade nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, sample pages

Looking for

The agency works with commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers and mysteries, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction with a strong narrative hook, and trade nonfiction.

How to submit

Email agent@ethanellenberg.com, indicating the agent, manuscript title, and genre in the subject line. Paste all materials in the body: for fiction, query letter, 1-2 page synopsis, and first 50 pages, for nonfiction, query letter, outline, and sample chapters up to 50 pages.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, 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.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, contemporary fiction, upmarket fiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction, historical fiction, grounded speculative fiction, thriller, suspense, horror, romance, mystery, adult nonfiction, spirituality, mind body spirit, food, agriculture, science, stem, natural living, animals, pets, community, culture, pop culture, health, wellness

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Carleen is building a list in adult fiction and nonfiction. In fiction she likes contemporary genres, upmarket or literary voices, commercial work, historical genre blends, grounded speculative stories, thrillers, suspense, horror, mysteries, and romance with a strong subplot. In nonfiction she is interested in niche topics with wide appeal, including spirituality, food, agriculture, science, natural living, animals, culture, pop culture, and health/wellness.

How to submit

Submit through Carleen Geisler's QueryManager form. The form asks for a query letter, synopsis, genre, word count, comparable books, AI-use disclosure, publication history, and the first 10 pages, or a book outline for nonfiction.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, nonfiction, memoir, biography, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, middle grade, children's, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, credentials

Looking for

Writers House represents adult and juvenile fiction and nonfiction, including literary and commercial fiction, science fiction/fantasy, memoir, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, juvenile books, picture books and illustrators.

How to submit

Email an individual Writers House agent with a query letter, credentials, an explanation of what makes the book unique, a synopsis, and ten pages in the body of the email. Check individual Publishers Marketplace profiles for agent-specific requirements.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, nonfiction, memoir, biography, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, middle grade, children's, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, credentials

Looking for

Writers House represents adult and juvenile fiction and nonfiction, including literary and commercial fiction, science fiction/fantasy, memoir, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, juvenile books, picture books and illustrators.

How to submit

Email an individual Writers House agent with a query letter, credentials, an explanation of what makes the book unique, a synopsis, and ten pages in the body of the email. Check individual Publishers Marketplace profiles for agent-specific requirements.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, mystery, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction, trade nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, sample pages

Looking for

The agency works with commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers and mysteries, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction with a strong narrative hook, and trade nonfiction.

How to submit

Email agent@ethanellenberg.com, indicating the agent, manuscript title, and genre in the subject line. Paste all materials in the body: for fiction, query letter, 1-2 page synopsis, and first 50 pages, for nonfiction, query letter, outline, and sample chapters up to 50 pages.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email

More US Genres

US Age-Led Searches

Commercial fiction Agents in Other Countries

Find the right literary agent

Filter the full directory by genre, country, submission method, and open status, then save agents and track your submissions.

Browse all agents