US History Literary Agents

Adult fiction, adult nonfiction, book club fiction, mystery, crime fiction, psychological thrillers, speculative fiction, horror, historical fiction, history, science, memoir, idea-driven nonfiction, diverse voices

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

Melissa Danaczko represents a wide range of adult fiction and nonfiction. In fiction, she gravitates toward high-concept novels with a fresh perspective, energetic writing, deep emotional connection, and an immersive sense of place; favorite categories include contemporary book club fiction, mystery, crime, psychological thrillers, speculative fiction, horror, and historical novels. She also represents history, science, memoir, and idea-driven nonfiction that is rigorous, emotionally compelling, and has something big to say about the world. Across categories, she seeks diverse voices and projects that are both entertaining and enlightening.

Email Melissa Danaczko at mdquery@skagency.com with a query letter and the first 10 pages of your manuscript or proposal in the body of the email, not as an attachment. SKLA asks for full disclosure in the query if AI tools have been used or are intended to be used in creating the work. Due to volume, SKLA responds only if interested in reading more.

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

Wants: Query letter, short bio, first ten pages

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

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.

Narrative nonfiction, history, science, politics, environment, business, memoir, literary fiction, young adult, middle grade, science fiction, fantasy

Wants: Query letter, sample pages, proposal

Diana Finch is currently taking only nonfiction queries, including memoir, until further notice. Her official page lists favorite nonfiction categories as narrative nonfiction, history, science, progressive politics, environmental books, business, and memoir. The same page also describes fiction interests in strong storytelling for adult, YA, and middle grade, literary fiction with unique or unexpected elements, and selected genre fiction other than romance, but fiction submissions are currently closed.

Use the official Diana Finch Literary Agency Submittable page. Include a full query letter and sample material. The Submittable page asks fiction writers for the first ten pages or so, and nonfiction writers for a full proposal and sample chapters, the agency blog currently says fiction submissions are closed and only nonfiction queries, including memoir, are being taken until further notice.

Commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, mystery, thriller, women's fiction, middle grade, young adult, romance, action adventure

Wants: Query letter

Caitlin Blasdell specializes in quality commercial fiction including science fiction and fantasy, historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, and women's fiction. Liza Dawson's submissions page also lists commercial adult fiction, science fiction/fantasy, romance, mystery, and action/adventure for Caitlin, and her profile says she handles a few select middle grade and YA authors.

Send only a query letter in the body of the email to querycaitlin@lizadawson.com. Liza Dawson Associates asks writers to check each agent profile, use the agent's query email and guidelines, and query only one agent at a time, the agency does not represent screenplays.

Historical fiction, romance, magical realism, horror

Immersive, atmospheric stories across genres, especially historical fiction—gothic or moody tales, BIPOC romances rooted in heritage, and magical realism with political nuance. Feminist retellings that reclaim overlooked voices and narratives on identity and ancestry. Folklore-inspired horror

Check agent's submission page

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, mystery, narrative non-fiction, cultural history, creative non-fiction, food writing, young adult, middle grade

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

She seeks fresh, unexpected perspectives, particularly from underrepresented communities. She favors character-driven literary fiction that borrows from genre elements, narrative nonfiction that reorients understanding of history and culture, and creative nonfiction that appeals to heart, mind, and humor. For Young Adult she prefers realistic, emotional stories whether contemporary or historical.

Submit via Roma's QueryManager form. Include query letter, synopsis, comparable books, and upload first 20 pages for fiction or full proposal for nonfiction. One agent at a time, but can submit to up to three ALA agents if first passes.

Literary fiction, cultural history

Wants: Query letter, first 1-2 chapters

Literary fiction and works of cultural history.

Queries should be emailed to submissions@inkwellmanagement.com. In the body of your email, please include a query letter and a short writing sample (1-2 chapters). You may specify the name of the agent to whom you are submitting in the subject line.

Mysteries, thrillers, cozies, contemporary romance, romcoms, upmarket women's fiction, memoirs, narratives, cookbooks, self-help, mg fiction, ya fiction, historical narratives

Adult Fiction: High-stakes mysteries and thrillers, and funny cozies––especially ones featuring ensembles, intergenerational family dynamics, and/or main characters outside of law enforcement, military, or journalism; contemporary romance and romcoms; upmarket women's fiction. Adult Non-Fiction: memoirs, narratives, cookbooks involving family heritage, self-help with concrete takeaways, empowerment, cultural tradition, and parts of history not typically taught in school. MG and YA: commercial fiction, including contemporary fantasy, horror, romance, mystery, and thriller––including ones with spooky or paranormal elements––especially ones that grapple with identity and/or intersectionality with fresh perspectives.

Use QueryManager link provided

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

Wants: Query letter

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

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

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

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

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

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

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, romance, thriller, mystery, middle grade, young adult, narrative non-fiction, essay collections

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

She seeks literary family sagas, genre-blending fiction, heists and cons that critique power systems, murder mysteries with humor, literary fiction about BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ protagonists, feminist revenge stories, whimsical fantasy, high-heat romance, historical fiction with unexpected settings, middle-grade adventures and slice-of-life, Young Adult queer and anticolonial revenge stories, narrative nonfiction connecting journalism to personal experience, and microhistories described as love letters to niche topics.

Submit via QueryManager submission form. Include polished query letter, bio, and manuscript pages according to genre guidelines. Select one agent at ALA to submit to initially.

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, contemporary novels, fantasy, science fiction, magical realism, horror, mysteries, middle grade fantasy, picture books, graphic novels, arts, pop culture, nature, psychology, cultural history, science, wellness, occult

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages

Literary and upmarket fiction, non-fiction book proposals, select children's books, and graphic novels. In fiction, she's looking for contemporary novels (with or without speculative elements), fantasy, grounded science fiction, magical realism, horror, and mysteries. In non-fiction, she's interested in projects that explore the arts, pop culture, nature, psychology, cultural history, science, wellness, and the occult

Include the first ten pages of text only within the body of your email for adult fiction, adult memoir, adult non-fiction essay collection, or children's fiction and non-fiction. For graphic novels, Maria is only considering projects by a single creator both writing and illustrating the book.

Young adult, new adult, fantasy, thrillers, mysteries, suspense, romance, women's fiction, horror, literary fiction, historical fiction, contemporary, nonfiction, faith-based books, illustrators

YA (all subgenres except sci-fi), thrillers/suspense/mystery, horror, contemporary, romance, new adult, women's fiction, historical fiction, literary fiction, faith-based/inspirational fiction and nonfiction, true crime, illustrators. Welcomes BIPOC and disabled main characters.

Query via agency submission process

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

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

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

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

Adult nonfiction, memoir, history, pop culture, science, parenting, literary fiction, upmarket fiction

Wants: Query letter, proposal, manuscript

Anna Sproul-Latimer represents all types of adult nonfiction, from memoir and history to pop culture, science, and parenting, as well as select literary and upmarket fiction. She is drawn to buzzing, bright, curious authors with enthusiasm and national or international audiences, especially books with humor, vulnerability, honesty, refuge, and relief.

Send a query letter, proposal, and or or manuscript to submissions@neonliterary.com. Specify in the subject line that you are querying Anna. Neon Literary represents adult nonfiction and literary fiction for national audiences, accepts Word or Google Docs attachments or pasted pages, and cannot read mail, in-person, or phone queries unless previously agreed for accessibility reasons.

Pop culture, pop science, fashion, design, literary commentary, history, folktale-inspired horror, fantasy, gothic mystery, romance, puzzle-driven mysteries, literary fiction

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages

In non-fiction, she is drawn to narrative projects that bring niche subjects to a wide readership, particularly those that blend memoir with expertise. Her interests include pop culture, pop science, fashion, design, literary commentary, and the history of subcultures and counterculture. In fiction, she loves immersive atmosphere, sharp observation, twisty storytelling, and offbeat wit. She is especially interested in folktale-inspired horror and fantasy, gothic mystery and romance, fantasies featuring mundane magic, puzzle-driven mysteries, and cozy stories that feel hopeful yet grounded, like a Studio Ghibli movie.

Include the first ten pages of text only within the body of your email for adult fiction, adult memoir, adult non-fiction essay collection, or children's fiction and non-fiction.

Fantasy, historical fiction, romance, speculative fiction, psychological thriller, true crime, music, religion, history, wellness, psychology, science

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages

In non-fiction, she is particularly drawn to true crime, music (almost any genre, but especially blues and classic rock), religion, and history (especially ancient civilizations or intellectual history). She also likes expert-driven wellness, popular psychology, and other science-related ideas (especially in biology or physics). In fiction, she is interested in fantasy, historical, romance (especially fantasy, historical, or LGBTQ), speculative, and psychological thrillers.

Include the first ten pages of text only within the body of your email for adult fiction, adult memoir, adult non-fiction essay collection, or children's fiction and non-fiction.

Literary, commercial, mystery, thriller, suspense, romance, business, history, politics, current affairs, memoir, health, wellness, sports, humor, pop culture, pop science, pop psychology

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages

In terms of fiction, he is seeking literary, commercial, mystery, thriller, suspense and romance. In terms of non-fiction, he is looking for business, history, politics, current affairs, memoir, health, wellness, sports, humor, pop culture, pop science, and pop psychology.

Address your query to the attention of the agent you feel is the best match for your work. Include the first ten pages of text only within the body of your email for adult fiction, adult memoir, adult non-fiction essay collection, or children's fiction and non-fiction.

Women's fiction, upmarket adult, commercial adult, domestic suspense, literary mystery, thrillers, historical, contemporary romance, book club fiction, pop science, business, psychology, cookbooks, memoirs, lifestyle, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages

In terms of fiction, she is seeking women's fiction, upmarket adult, commercial adult, domestic suspense, literary mystery and thrillers, historical, contemporary romance, and smart book club fiction. In terms of non-fiction, she is looking for pop science, business, psychology, cookbooks, unique memoirs, lifestyle (health, wellness, relationships, parenting), narrative, and platform based non-fiction

For fiction queries, please format email subjects as 'Fiction: TITLE or GENRE or CREATOR NAME' and non-fiction queries as 'Non-Fiction: TOPIC or TITLE or CREATOR NAME'

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

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

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

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

Literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, history, current affairs, science, investigative journalism, cultural criticism

Wants: Query letter, bio, first 10 pages

Bold voices and writers with a strong point of view; in nonfiction, she seeks perspective-changing ideas packaged in narrative form

For fiction submissions, please include your query letter, bio, and the first 10 pages of your manuscript in the body of your email. For nonfiction submissions, please include your query letter and bio and proposal if available.

Fiction, nonfiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction, young adult, history, biography, memoir, journalism

Diverse group of fiction and nonfiction writers, including literary and commercial novelists for adults and young readers, historians, biographers, memoirists, journalists, strategists, adventurers, and entertainers

Online submission form

Adult fiction, thriller, psychological thriller, historical fiction, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, book club fiction, young adult romance

Wants: Query form, first five pages unless form specifies otherwise

Jillian Schelzi is a junior agent at HG Literary. She is primarily looking for adult fiction, especially psychological thrillers, shocking twists, page-turning suspense, and rich historical fiction set against war. She also likes mental-health representation, darker and challenging themes, literary and upmarket fiction, book club fiction, and YA romance. She is not looking for middle grade, picture books, religious books, fantasy, romantasy, or horror.

Submit through Jillian Schelzi's official QueryTracker form. HG Literary accepts electronic submissions only and asks writers to query one agent at a time. Unless the agent-specific form says otherwise, HG requests a query letter and the first five pages. HG does not represent screenplays or religious fiction.

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

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.

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.

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, romantic comedy, memoir, psychology, narrative nonfiction, literary studies, art history, popular science, philosophy, cultural studies

Wants: Query letter, first five pages, picture book manuscript, referral note if applicable

Alex Reubert is a literary agent at HG Literary. He is pursuing books that demand he keep reading by style or story, including literature in translation, novels set outside the U.S., upmarket and literary fiction, narrators looking back on their lives, upmarket romantic comedy, memoir, psychology, narrative nonfiction, literary studies, art history, popular science, philosophy, cultural studies, and prose by poets or musicians.

Submit to Alex Reubert through his official QueryManager link. HG Literary asks for electronic submissions only. Unless an agent-specific form asks otherwise, send a query letter and the first five pages in the body of the query, no attachments. If it is a picture book, include the entire manuscript. Mention referrals in the first line. Query only one HG Literary agent at a time.

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

Wants: Query letter

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.

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.

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

Wants: Query letter

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.

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.

Commercial, contemporary, family saga, genre-bending, horror, lgbtq and, literary, multicultural, mystery, offbeat, quirky, short stories, suspense, thriller, upmarket, women's fiction, cultural, social issues, current affairs, history, journalism, lifestyle, narrative, nature and ecology, politics, pop culture, psychology, relationship and dating, science and technology, women's issues

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

She seeks writers driven by curiosity and discovery, whether through formal inventiveness in fiction or rigorous investigative journalism. She is drawn to poets who have turned to prose and writers whose dexterity with language allows them to articulate emotions or sensibilities. She loves moody atmosphere, setting-as-character, and fantastical elements in literary and upmarket fiction, particularly when genre elements explore where language fails us.

Send query letter and 5 sample pages to only one agent with the word QUERY and the title of your project in the subject line, or submit through Query Manager. Do not send attachments, include all materials in the body of the email.

Literary fiction, historical fiction, romance, nonfiction, graphic memoir, journalism

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Imaginative, genre-bending literary fiction and capacious historical novels that push boundaries, beautifully told queer stories, and smart, feminist romance. In nonfiction, projects that probe assumptions and invite nuance, with special attention to queer, trans, and underrepresented experiences, as well as narratives exploring culture, technology, food, and the environment.

Submit your query via Query Manager at the link provided. Include a cover letter, synopsis, and sample pages as appropriate for your project.

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

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.

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.

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

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Adventure, survival, historical fiction, literary fiction, women's fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, suspense, nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, first three chapters, synopsis, author bio

Jessica represents everything from novelty board books to adult science fiction and political thrillers, and is drawn to atmospheric adventure and survival stories, historical fiction, literary fiction, women's fiction, hard-science or literary magical realism SFF, adult thrillers and suspense, and selected nonfiction.

Send a query letter and the first three chapters pasted into the body, plus complete synopsis, author bio, social media links, a short description of other completed works, and contact information. Attachments are not opened unless requested.

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

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.

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.

Commercial fiction, historical mystery, mystery, romance, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, women's fiction, young adult, children's

Wants: Query letter

Miriam is passionate about commercial fiction with strong voice and narrative drive, representing everything from children's through adult, with special emphasis on fantasy, science fiction, women's fiction, romance, thrillers, and historical mysteries.

Submit through Miriam Kriss's Codex Literary online query form. Codex asks writers to choose only one Codex agent and notes that it cannot represent authors who have worked with one of its agents on Reedsy or work-for-hire projects.

New adult, adult fiction, young adult, middle grade, fantasy, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, dark academia, epic fantasy, historical fantasy, contemporary fantasy, romance, diverse voices

Wants: Query letter

Isabelle is actively looking for New Adult books across genres and is also interested in adult, young adult, and middle grade fantasy plus upmarket and commercial adult fiction with worldbuilding, unique characters, strong plotting, hooks, romantic subplots, and diverse voices.

Submit through Isabelle Rader's Codex Literary online query form. Codex asks writers to choose only one Codex agent and notes that it cannot represent authors who have worked with one of its agents on Reedsy or work-for-hire projects.