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US History Literary Agents

312 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

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 1 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, young adult

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, brief bio, title/genre/word count

Looking for

Literary/commercial novels that tackle timely issues and uncomfortable relationship dynamics. High-concept, character-driven novels with one foot in genre. Delightful and emotionally engaging novels that can be read repeatedly. Character-driven thrillers, speculative, science fiction and fantasy that illuminate the world through imagined worlds.

How to submit

Submit through Query Manager with a brief bio including writing credentials, title or genre or word count, query letter, and first ten pages.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
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 1 Jun 2026Via Email
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.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Popular history, science, narrative non-fiction, pop culture, memoir, literary fiction, horror, genre fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages

Looking for

He is actively acquiring popular history and science, narrative-driven nonfiction, smart pop culture, and outward-looking memoir. He seeks books that will shift paradigms, understanding of the world, and ourselves. In fiction he seeks select plot-driven literary and literary-crossover novels, particularly elevated horror or genre-inflected narratives.

How to submit

For fiction submissions, send an informative description, a brief synopsis and the first ten pages. For non-fiction submissions, send an informative description, a full outline, and the first ten pages of the manuscript. Include sample pages in the body of the email below your query. Direct your submission to an individual agent.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
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.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror, historical fiction, women's fiction, young adult

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, first 5 pages

Looking for

She is interested in a wide range of fiction and always on the lookout for underrepresented authors. In general, she loves quirky-off beat storytelling that can deliver heartfelt and thoughtful messaging, characters with richly developed relationships, and stories that center around a fantastical or often-overlooked setting.

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. Do not query more than one agent at Harvey Klinger, Inc. at a time.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
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.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Narrative non-fiction, horror, thriller, speculative fiction, historical fiction, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Chad is interested in narrative nonfiction with a strong emotional pull from journalists and writers who challenge the status quo. For fiction, he is particularly drawn to novels that are more character or plot-driven, horror and thrillers that are as inventive as they are suspenseful, speculative and historical fiction that offer a nuanced perspective on place, and graphic novels that push the boundaries of the genre.

How to submit

For fiction submissions, send an informative description, a brief synopsis and the first ten pages. For non-fiction submissions, send an informative description, a full outline, and the first ten pages of the manuscript. For graphic novel submissions, send 10 illustrated pages with text (attached as a PDF) and a synopsis in the body of the email below your query. Please include the sample pages in the body of the email below your query and direct your submission to an individual agent.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, upmarket women's fiction, romance, thriller, mystery, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, young adult fiction, middle grade fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction, popular science, parenting, pop culture, humor, how-to, self-help, lifestyle, travel, interior design, crafts, business

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

Looking for

Andrea represents a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, including projects for adult, young adult and middle grade audiences. She actively seeks literary and commercial fiction, upmarket women's fiction, romance, thrillers, mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction. In nonfiction, she seeks memoir, narrative nonfiction, popular science, parenting, pop culture, humor, how-to, self-help, lifestyle, travel, interior design, crafts, and business.

How to submit

Submit via email with a short synopsis of your work, author bio, and the first five pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of the email. No attachments.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Historical, women's fiction, romance, fantasy, mystery, psychological thriller, middle grade, young adult, narrative non-fiction, history, film, tv, theatre, pop culture, music, commercial fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, first 5 pages

Looking for

She specializes in Historical fiction, whether in Young Adult, Women's Fiction and Romance, or narrative nonfiction. She is particularly drawn to oft forgotten stories of the past and underrepresented voices, and especially personal to her is unexplored Southern history and culture. She also loves high-concept fantasy in Young Adult and Adult fiction.

How to submit

Submit queries through QueryManager only. Include a short synopsis of your work, author bio, and the first five pages pasted into the submission form. No attachments. Do not query more than one agent at Harvey Klinger at a time.

Last checked 1 Jun 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 26 May 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Nonfiction, how-to, health, wellness, science, technology, nature, outdoors, true crime, history, investigative journalism, international relations, sports, parenting, business, illustrated books, brand books

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

John is building a wide-ranging nonfiction list including how-to, health and wellness, science, technology, nature and outdoors, true crime, quirky history, investigative journalism, international relations, sports, parenting, business, illustrated books, and brand-led book programs.

How to submit

Email john@defliterary.com with QUERY: at the beginning of the subject line, followed by the book title. Include a brief description of yourself and the project. Attachments are not opened unless requested.

Last checked 25 May 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 15 May 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, mystery, domestic suspense, historical fiction, book club fiction, narrative nonfiction

Looking for

Amy Cloughley seeks authors with unique, clear voices and smart, tightly written prose. She leans toward grounded literary, upmarket, and commercial novels with a distinct sense of place, page-turning mystery, domestic suspense with sharp wit and unexpected twists, well-researched historical fiction, book club fiction with a fresh perspective, small-town contemporary characters, unexpected story arcs, suitable pacing, compelling protagonists, and narrative nonfiction immersed in a culture, lifestyle, discipline, or industry.

How to submit

Amy Cloughley is currently closed to unsolicited submissions. Her official Kimberley Cameron team page links to a QueryManager form, and the form currently states that she is not accepting queries at this time.

Last checked 21 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
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.

Last checked 21 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Mystery or thriller, historical, ya contemporary, new adult, narrative nonfiction, memoir

Looking for

Genre fiction, such as Mystery/Thriller, Historical, YA contemporary, and New Adult, as well as Narrative Nonfiction and Memoir, with a particular interest in underrepresented voices, untold multicultural stories, and any high concept or genre-bending works

How to submit

Currently closed for submissions

Last checked 20 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Health, parenting, southern history, african-american interest, business, motivation, romance, young adult, children's, middle grade, christian living

Wants: Query letter, book proposal for nonfiction

Looking for

Rom-com, cozy mysteries, historical fiction, health and wellness, advice and relationship, and true crime

How to submit

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

Last checked 19 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Nonfiction, mystery or suspense or thriller, historical fiction, contemporary or commercial, sapphic romance

Looking for

Stories that reveal the truths of what it means to be a human in our difficult, often oppressive, world. Always looking for writing from historically underrepresented groups, with special place for LGBTQIA+ folks

How to submit

Submit through QueryManager

Last checked 19 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Children's books, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, genre fiction, thrillers, historical fiction, romance, mysteries, science fiction

Wants: Query letter, full manuscript, illustration samples for children's books

Looking for

Clever voices and unreliable narrators, stories told from diverse perspectives, rich world building, strong character dynamics, and firsts—first love, first heartbreak, first loss, first divorce, etc. Novels featuring smart, strong, funny, and fierce women

How to submit

Email queries with specified subject headers to designated addresses

Last checked 16 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, mystery, historical fiction, young adult, narrative nonfiction, parenting, relationships

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

Looking for

Ellen likes women's upmarket and commercial fiction, smart original thrillers and mysteries, sweeping or revisionist historical fiction, witty YA with big topics, narrative nonfiction, and books on parenting and relationships.

How to submit

Ellen Coughtrey is currently closed to queries. The Gernert Company asks writers to email info@thegernertco.com when querying open agents, indicate which agent they are querying, and include a query letter plus a sample chapter if appropriate.

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, creative nonfiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, romantic comedy, contemporary fiction

Wants: Query letter, first five pages

Looking for

Andrea Cascardi represents fiction and nonfiction for adult and children's authors and illustrators. Her official submissions page says she has broad taste but fiction needs an unforgettable voice, smart plotting, a big hook, and unique perspectives. She wants MG and YA with heart, humor, diverse characters, magical realism, pacy adventures, multilayered historical fiction, rom-coms, illustrated middle grade, graphic novels, MG nonfiction, graphic novel memoir, adult women's fiction, twentieth-century historical fiction, rom-coms with a twist, and contemporary fiction with voice, heart, and humor.

How to submit

Andrea Cascardi is currently only open to submissions through professional referrals, writing conferences or contests she personally attends, and queries she requests through social media pitch events. If she requests a submission, send the first five pages embedded in the query. Her contact page states she is currently not open to submissions.

Represents

Literary fiction, horror, speculative fiction, historical fiction, historical fantasy, narrative nonfiction, essays, graphic novels, middle grade

Wants: Query letter, full synopsis, first three chapters, first twenty five pages, graphic novel spreads, graphic novel rough pages, portfolio

Looking for

Anna Ange is a junior agent at Liza Dawson Associates. She is looking for adult literary and genre crossover, literary-forward novels with horror, speculative, or weird elements, true horror, queer historical fiction and historical fantasy before 1900, narrative nonfiction or essays on niche and surprising topics, adult graphic novels in fiction and nonfiction, and spooky or horror-adjacent middle grade prose or graphic novels.

How to submit

Anna Ange is currently closed to queries as of 2025-10-10. When open, prose queries should be sent to queryanna@lizadawson.com with the query in the email body, a full synopsis in a Word document, and the first three chapters or 25 pages in a Word document. Graphic novel queries should include a query, full story synopsis, at least five completed spreads, and any rough pages available. Anna does not accept script-only graphic novel queries. Query only one Liza Dawson Associates agent at a time.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
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, historical fiction, young debut authors

Looking for

Heather is particularly interested in narrative nonfiction, historical fiction, and young debut authors with strong voices.

How to submit

Heather Mitchell is currently closed to queries. Gelfman Schneider says any queries not following current guidelines are deleted unread and that all listed agents are currently closed or referral-only.

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.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Historical fiction, horror, contemporary fiction, fantasy, suspense, thriller, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Kaitlyn is interested in historical fiction, horror, contemporary fiction, fantasy, suspense/thriller, and graphic novels across age groups, with emphasis on non-mainstream history, psychological or haunting horror, LGBTQ+ storylines, mental health angles, MG/YA and crossover fantasy, and commercial MG graphic novels.

How to submit

Kaitlyn is closed to queries. When open, submit through her official QueryManager route. Belcastro asks writers to read each agent's wishlist and submit to one agent at a time.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Romance, women's fiction, southern gothic, alternate history, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, western, middle grade, young adult, nonfiction

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

Looking for

Nikki is interested in romance, women's fiction, Southern Gothic, alternate histories, grounded science fiction and fantasy, speculative thrillers, fresh westerns, MG and YA with cottage-core or floral magic elements, YA thrillers, and nonfiction on craft, screenwriting, North Carolina history, culinary subjects, hobbies, arts and crafts, and plants or herbs.

How to submit

Nikki is currently closed. When Holloway is open, email submissions@hollowayliterary.com with the required subject header, query content, word count, genre, pitch, author bio, and first 15 pages pasted in the body.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

History, pop culture, science, memoir, investigative narrative nonfiction, issue-focused narrative nonfiction, upmarket fiction, literary thrillers, upmarket horror, family novels, coming of age

Looking for

Sophie Brett-Chin is a Literary Associate at Folio Literary Management who is actively building her list. In nonfiction she is looking for history, pop culture, science, memoir, and investigative and issue-focused narrative nonfiction. In fiction she is drawn to propulsive plots that are beautiful on a technical and craft level, including upmarket and literary thrillers, upmarket horror that uses and subverts genre tropes to probe larger societal issues, and big-hearted novels about family or coming of age. Across genres she likes work that interrogates adolescence, especially teenage girlhood, as well as books about religion and ritual and books about the ocean. She is not looking for children's books at any level.

How to submit

Sophie Brett-Chin is currently closed to unsolicited submissions according to her official Folio profile.

Represents

Thriller, suspense, horror, fantasy, romantasy, magical realism, speculative fiction, romance, mystery, women's fiction, historical fiction, young adult, middle grade, picture books

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Vicky is interested in adult thriller and suspense with psychological, paranormal, supernatural or gothic elements, horror, dark fantasy, romantasy, magical realism, mystery, women's fiction, historical fiction, young adult horror and fantasy, middle grade, and picture books from author-illustrators.

How to submit

Vicky's CMA profile links to QueryManager but states that she is currently closed to queries. CMA asks writers to query only one CMA agent at a time.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
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

Fiction, nonfiction, cultural studies, sociology, business, history, politics, current affairs, sports, memoir, latino voices, latin american authors

Looking for

Lukas Ortiz is a literary agent and the foreign rights director at Spitzer Agency. In fiction, he is interested in a distinct narrative voice, memorable characters, eccentric novels with an edge, and original stories. In nonfiction, he is interested in cultural studies, sociology, business, history, politics, current affairs, sports, and memoir, especially driven narratives and sharp storytelling with themes that transcend their primary audience. He is actively seeking to work with more Latino and Latin American authors for the U.S. market.

How to submit

The official Spitzer Agency about page does not publish an open Lukas Ortiz query route. The page says the agency client list is full at this time and gives a query route only in another agent's profile block, so Lukas Ortiz is treated as closed or no public route for this remediation.

Represents

General fiction, horror, mystery, thriller, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, cookbooks

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Looking for

Becky represents adult and teen fiction across general fiction, horror, mystery/thriller, historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy, and has a special place for cookbooks.

How to submit

Becky LeJeune is open only to queries by referral and submission invitations, including conference invitations. Queries sent by email or contact form will not be considered.

Last checked 8 Jul 2026Via QueryTracker
Represents

Fantasy, horror, mystery, thriller, dark academia, gothic horror, supernatural folklore, caribbean folklore, bipoc voices, lgbtq and, history, spirituality

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages

Looking for

Catherine is mainly focused on middle grade and young adult fantasy, horror, and mystery with lush settings, strong worldbuilding, atmospheric prose, isolated or contained settings, BIPOC characters by BIPOC authors, supernatural folklore, dark academia, feminine rage, witches, banshees, sirens, and gripping mysteries. Her Corvisiero profile also lists adult and YA fantasy, mysteries, thrillers, gothic horror, and nonfiction on Haitian and Louisianan Voodoo.

How to submit

Submit through Catherine Ross's QueryManager route when open. Her current Manuscript Wish List says to send a query letter, one-to-two-page synopsis, and the first ten manuscript pages through her query form, unsolicited email submissions and submissions using AI will not be considered.

Last checked 8 Jul 2026Via QueryManager

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