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US History Literary Agents

311 agents · 194 currently open to submissions

Historical fiction spans everything from meticulously researched literary novels like Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall to commercial sagas, biographical fiction, and genre-blending works that incorporate romance or mystery elements. The 105+ agents representing history work across vastly different approaches: some focus on specific eras like World War II or the American Civil War, while others seek fresh perspectives on underexplored periods or marginalised voices from the past. Many agents distinguish between literary historical fiction that prioritises prose and character development, commercial historical fiction with broader market appeal, and historical romance or historical mystery that blend genre conventions. Young adult historical fiction has carved out its own space, often focusing on coming-of-age stories set during pivotal moments like the Holocaust or the Civil Rights Movement. Before submitting, research each agent's recent deals and client announcements to understand whether they prefer intimate character studies, sweeping multi-generational sagas, or historically-grounded genre fiction, as submission guidelines often reflect these preferences.

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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.

Last checked 14 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, speculative fiction, translated fiction, history, journalism, politics, pop culture, music history

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, sample pages

Looking for

Jennifer is most interested in literary fiction, speculative fiction, and translated fiction for the adult market, unusual history, journalism, politics, and pop-culture and music history. She is particularly drawn to eccentric and unusual stories and values a distinct narrative voice and a strong sense of place.

How to submit

Submit through QueryManager portal with query letter, 1-page synopsis, brief bio including publishing history, and first 10-15 pages of manuscript for fiction.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, cultural criticism, reportage, social history, cultural history, memoir, poetry

Wants: Query letter, sample chapters

Looking for

Alice represents a wide range of nonfiction, including voice-driven narrative non-fiction, cultural criticism, reportage, social and cultural history, and memoir, literary fiction, and a select list of poets.

How to submit

Send a query letter briefly describing your project and professional background, along with up to three chapters of sample material. Do not query more than one agent.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial nonfiction, commercial fiction, health and well-being, psychology or self-help, politics and current affairs, memoir, personal finance, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, women's bookclub fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Women's bookclub fiction, Epic juicy generational sagas, Historical mysteries and thrillers, Genre mash-ups, A great triplets thriller, Activist fiction or fiction that illuminates a topical or societal issue in a new way, Experts bringing new ideas that can help people in their everyday lives

How to submit

Query via QueryTracker only - we do not accept unsolicited proposals or manuscripts

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via QueryTracker
Represents

Literary fiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, romance, mystery, suspense, memoir, narrative nonfiction, history, current affairs

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

Looking for

Elizabeth is interested in literary fiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, romance, mystery/suspense, memoir, narrative nonfiction, history, and current affairs.

How to submit

Submit electronically to the appropriate agent at the address listed on the official submissions page. For adult fiction, send query letter, synopsis, author bio, and first three consecutive chapters up to 30 pages pasted in the email. Only query one agent at a time.

Last checked 13 Oct 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 13 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, historical fiction, suspense, magical realism, multicultural fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, journalism, travel, popular science, women's issues, parenting, food writing, young adult, business, sports, pop culture

Wants: Query letter, bio, publishing history, proposal or manuscript status

Looking for

Felicia Eth is interested in literary accessible fiction, historical and suspense novels with a literary bent that transcend genre, magical realism or multicultural fiction, narrative nonfiction including memoir, journalism, unusual travel books, popular science, psychological and social concerns, women's issues, fresh parenting ideas, and culinary writing. She may occasionally consider strong short story collections, crossover YA, idea-driven business books, sports books, and pop culture.

How to submit

Send an email query to feliciaeth.literary@gmail.com or submit by hardcopy to the agency address. For fiction, write a query letter introducing yourself, the book, and your writing background, and wait for a response before sending sample pages unless requested. For nonfiction, introduce the idea, what has already been written, your background and expertise, and your platform.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Historical fiction, narrative history, historical fantasy, comedic mystery, book club fiction, genre bended and blended fiction, science for the non-scientist, essays, memoir

Looking for

All things history. Commercial and upmarket historical fiction that challenges and educates readers, particularly those that explore the margins of history books and those from marginalized perspectives. Book club fiction, essays and memoirs, history and science

How to submit

Query Frannie

Last checked 12 Oct 2026
Represents

Commercial and niche fiction and nonfiction, ya, speculative fiction, commercial fantasy, women's fiction, historical fiction, sci-fi, paranormal, unconventional westerns, pop-culture, music, history, health, inspirational, narrative nonfiction

Looking for

Both commercial and niche fiction and nonfiction. Fiction interests include YA, speculative fiction, commercial fantasy, women's fiction, historical fiction, sci-fi, paranormal, unconventional westerns, and anything with unique, well-drawn characters and a dark or offbeat sense of humor. Her nonfiction interests include pop-culture, music, history, health, inspirational (but not spiritual), and extremely well-written narrative nonfiction.

How to submit

Please submit your query or proposal via QueryTracker

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via QueryTracker
Represents

Adult science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, speculative fiction, select literary fiction, narrative history, narrative nonfiction

Looking for

Adult sci-fi/fantasy manuscripts, historical fiction, select literary fiction, narrative history and narrative nonfiction. Fantasy: Epic Fantasy, Grimdark, High Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Military/Naval Fantasy, Crime and Caper Fantasy, Historical Fantasy, Humorous Fantasy, Steampunk, Dragon Fantasy. Science Fiction: Space Opera, Dystopian Sci-Fi, Literary Sci-Fi, Climate/Environmental, Space Western

How to submit

Query Darryl

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via QueryTracker
Represents

Women's fiction, historical fiction, romance, contemporary fiction, narrative nonfiction, prescriptive nonfiction, gift nonfiction, true crime, pop culture, motivational or self-help, business, finance, wellness, spiritual, diet, parenting, lifestyle

Wants: Query letter, book proposal for nonfiction

Looking for

Transportive upmarket and commercial fiction, strong female voices, sweeping love stories, historical fiction, new adult, romantic comedies, quirky mysteries, family dramadies, psychological thrillers, and broad nonfiction topics.

How to submit

Use The Knight Agency submissions page and the relevant QueryManager link, do not query multiple TKA agents simultaneously.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, character-driven genre fiction, nonfiction, science, arts, pop culture, history, current events

Wants: Query letter, proposal, manuscript

Looking for

On the fiction side, Eloy is especially interested in literary fiction along with character-driven, elevated genre fiction. In nonfiction, Eloy is always eager to be introduced to an under-explored subject, no matter the exact field of study—so long as the writer can make their passion infectious. He's looking for obsessives who can take a single topic and explode it into a vast, multidisciplinary inquiry.

How to submit

Please send your query letter, proposal, and or or manuscript to submissions@neonliterary.com. Please specify in the subject line of your email whether you are querying Kent, Anna, or Eloy.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
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.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Popular culture, natural history, travel, adventure, sports, nonfiction

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

Looking for

Adam is interested in popular culture, natural history, travel and adventure, and sports, especially books with a fresh perspective or new analysis by or about mavericks in those fields.

How to submit

Submit electronically to the appropriate agent at the address listed on the official submissions page. For adult nonfiction, send query letter, proposal, outline, author bio, and three sample chapters up to 30 pages pasted in the email. Only query one agent at a time.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
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.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
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.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, historical fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, investigative journalism, popular history, children's books

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

She is looking for fresh, lyrical, and voice-driven writing, suspenseful plots, emotional narratives, transporting settings, and unforgettable characters. Books that grapple with the dynamics of relationships (of all kinds, but especially from a female perspective), have a grounded speculative bent, or explore the current cultural landscape are all of perennial interest.

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.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
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.

Last checked 11 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Epic romance, historical romance, literary fiction, family dramas, romantic comedies, dark comedies, dystopian, urban fiction, picture books, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis (1-2 pages), first 5 pages

Looking for

Epic and historical romance; literary fiction with vivid, natural settings; family dramas, romantic comedies, dark comedies, dystopian, urban fiction; Non-fiction on self-improvement, parenting, alternative education, holistic health

How to submit

Submit through QueryManager database

Last checked 11 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
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.

Last checked 11 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Romance, women's fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first chapter, one paragraph pitch

Looking for

She is looking for historical fiction, funny witty modern romances, anything medieval, and exciting historical romances and fiction based on real characters. She wants women's fiction, rom-coms and romances including romantasy, horromance, and cozy romance that are timely, fresh, high-concept with unique hooks. She seeks stories around immigration, cultural differences, mother-daughter stories, dysfunctional families, and found family themes.

How to submit

Submit through QueryManager only. Include query letter, synopsis, one paragraph pitch, target audience description, and first chapter or full proposal for nonfiction.

Last checked 10 Oct 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 10 Oct 2026Via Form
Represents

Nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, history, science, sports, technology, business, pop culture

Wants: Query letter, full proposal

Looking for

Howard Yoon works exclusively with nonfiction writers, especially reported narratives, memoir, history, science, sports, technology, business, and popular culture. He represents leading experts and thought leaders, and has a soft spot for underdog stories and voices of the underserved.

How to submit

Query Howard Yoon via the contact or query button on his WME Books profile page. For nonfiction, include a query letter addressed to him and a full proposal. WME asks writers to query one agent at a time, if there is no response in six weeks, writers may try another WME Books agent.

Last checked 10 Oct 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Thriller, horror, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, adult fiction, board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade, young adult fiction, young adult non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, author bio, first 10 pages

Looking for

Lara is currently open to adult fiction queries only. She seeks thrillers, horror with purpose, historical fiction that feels immediate and hooky, and grounded and unexpected science fiction and fantasy. She is always excited to see unreliable narrators, twisty mysteries, eerie settings, psychological horror, and character-driven stories with sparks of magic.

How to submit

Submit through QueryManager with a short query letter, author bio, contact information, and first 10 pages of text for novels. Complete the required fields in the submission form.

Last checked 10 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
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.

Last checked 10 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, reported nonfiction, popular history, memoir, narrative nonfiction

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

Looking for

Elias Altman specializes in sharp and moving narratives with psychological insight, timeless themes, and strong characters, including reported nonfiction by journalists, popular history by scholars, memoir by people who have really lived, and literary fiction by writers with precision, honesty, and heart.

How to submit

Email queries to the attention of Elias Altman at info@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.

Last checked 10 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction, science, history, medicine, economics

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages, synopsis

Looking for

She seeks plot-driven literary and smart commercial fiction, and narrative nonfiction across subjects including history, medicine, science, economics and women's issues. She looks for passion, erudition, and storytelling skill in every case.

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. Query only one agent at agency at a time.

Last checked 9 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Mystery, thriller, suspense, historical fiction, young adult

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Ella Marie is looking for adult mysteries, thrillers, suspense, historical fiction, and YA thriller, suspense, mystery, detective fiction, and historical fiction. She is looking for diverse authors and fast-paced stories.

How to submit

Submit through Ella Marie's official QueryManager route. Belcastro asks writers to read each agent's wishlist, submit to one agent at a time, and use the Submit a Story button to reach the query form.

Last checked 9 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

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

How to submit

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

Last checked 9 Oct 2026Via Online Form
Represents

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

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

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

How to submit

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

Last checked 9 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Fantasy, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, adult fiction, young adult fiction, horror, gothic, dark academia

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages, synopsis

Looking for

Crockett seeks upmarket, character-driven adult and Young Adult fiction with emotional depth, compelling stakes, and diversity. She represents fantasy including epic, historical, folklore/fairytale, horror, gothic, and dark academia, plus contemporary realistic fiction perfect for book clubs. In adult fiction only, she also seeks historical fiction that brings a new perspective.

How to submit

Submit queries through Query Manager. Include query letter, first 10 pages, word count, genre, target audience, and comparable books.

Last checked 9 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Nonfiction, practical lifestyle, how-to, wellness, mindfulness, cookbooks, narrative nonfiction, history, cultural criticism, ecology, food, social justice, illustrated books, literary estates

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Jenny represents award-winning nonfiction, including practical lifestyle and how-to projects, wellness and mindfulness, cookbooks, narrative nonfiction about history, cultural criticism, ecology and the natural world, food, and social justice. For adults and kids, she loves highly designed books that inform and inspire through text and image.

How to submit

Submit through Sterling Lord Literistic's submissions page and choose only one SLL agent to query. The agency says it can only respond if interested in seeing more material.

Last checked 9 Oct 2026Via Online Form
Represents

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

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

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

Last checked 8 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Young adult, adult fiction, horror, horror romance, gothic horror, folk horror, historical horror, paranormal fiction, historical fiction, historical romance, fantasy, magical realism, dark academia, lgbtq and, bipoc

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Ellen is seeking young adult and adult fiction, especially women-led and own-voices stories that subvert genre expectations. Her wishlist includes horror, horror romance, gothic horror, folk horror, historical horror, paranormal fiction, historical fiction, historical romance, fantasy, magical realism, dark academia, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ stories.

How to submit

Submit through Ellen Moore's QueryManager link from her Corvisiero profile. Corvisiero says email submissions are not accepted and writers should submit only one project to one Corvisiero agent at a time.

Last checked 8 Oct 2026Via QueryManager

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