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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

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

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

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

How to submit

Gina Maccoby is currently closed to submissions. When open, email a query with the word QUERY in the subject line to query@maccobylit.com with no attachments. Check the official agency site for reopening.

Last checked 1 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Book club fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, thriller, memoir, cookbooks, narrative nonfiction, prescriptive nonfiction, mystery, romance

Looking for

Erin Niumata represents book club fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, thrillers, memoir, cookbooks, narrative nonfiction, prescriptive nonfiction, mystery, and romance.

How to submit

Erin Niumata's official profile links to QueryManager, but her official linked QueryManager page currently says she is not accepting queries and will open again before the end of the year.

Last checked 27 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Nonfiction, history, historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction

Looking for

Amy Collins is an agent with Talcott Notch Literary Services. In her agent role, she focuses on nonfiction and history, historical fiction, fantasy, and science fiction.

How to submit

Amy Collins is closed to unsolicited queries at this time. Talcott Notch general guidelines ask for a one- to two-page query letter and first ten pages, but Amy Collins's official profile states she is currently closed to unsolicited queries.

Last checked 26 Jun 2026
Represents

Commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, historical fiction, fantasy, crime, adult fiction

Looking for

Alice Speilburg represents commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction for the adult market. She is drawn to culturally relevant nonfiction, especially by journalists, and in fiction has particular interest in immersive historical adventures, myth-based fantasy, and atmospheric crime.

How to submit

Alice Speilburg uses QueryManager. Her official agency profile says she is open to queries on the 10th through 16th of each month, but the linked QueryManager page currently says she is not accepting queries at this time and may close when she reaches capacity.

Last checked 26 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

Ellen Geiger is not accepting unsolicited queries at this time.

Last checked 26 Jun 2026
Represents

Literary fiction, historical fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy, romantasy, literary suspense, thrillers, contemporary fiction, short stories, narrative nonfiction

Looking for

Elizabeth Pratt looks for fiction from diverse perspectives and emerging voices that turns the familiar on its head, recounts history from a different point of view, sheds light on something previously unnoticed, or makes readers think differently. Her wishlist includes character-driven literary fiction, family sagas, place-driven fiction, grief-centered fiction, historical fiction, genre-bending fiction, fantasy and romantasy that breaks common tropes, mythology or folklore retellings, formal experiments, literary suspense, contemporary fiction with young female characters, story collections, and select narrative nonfiction about theater, documenting history, people behind power, and the natural world.

How to submit

Elizabeth Pratt is currently closed to queries according to her official linked QueryManager page. Trellis accepts unsolicited submissions only through QueryManager and asks writers not to submit to multiple Trellis agents during the 8-12 week review window.

Last checked 26 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Narrative nonfiction, sports, business, history, politics, fitness, memoir, cookbooks

Looking for

David Black specializes in a wide array of narrative nonfiction, including sports, business, history, politics, fitness, memoir, and personally compelling subject areas. His official profile says he is not currently accepting unsolicited queries.

How to submit

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

Last checked 25 Jun 2026
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, american history, european history, american studies, political theory, race studies, cultural studies, literary fiction, music, art history, sports, graphic novels

Wants: Cover letter, CV, manuscript

Looking for

Christopher Vyce is founder and literary agent at The Brattle Agency. His interests include American and European history, American studies, political theory, race studies, cultural studies, literary fiction, music, art history, sports, and graphic novels.

How to submit

The Brattle Agency submission period is currently closed. The official submissions page says the next open period begins October 1, 2026. During an open period, writers should send a cover letter, a CV if appropriate, and enough of the manuscript to give a full impression to submissions@thebrattleagency.com.

Last checked 25 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, thrillers, mystery, historical fiction, young adult, nonfiction, health, science, environment, true crime, memoir, spirituality

Looking for

Elizabeth Kracht represents literary and commercial fiction, women's fiction, thrillers, mysteries, historical fiction, crossover YA, and nonfiction. She appreciates writing with depth, an introspective voice, thematic layers, multicultural themes and characters, and strong settings. Her nonfiction interests include high concept, health, science, environment, prescriptive nonfiction, investigative nonfiction, true crime, voice- or adventure-driven memoir, sexuality, spirituality, and animal or pet stories.

How to submit

Elizabeth Kracht is currently only open to queries and pitches through conferences, online events, workshops, and referrals. Kimberley Cameron and Associates uses QueryManager for submissions and asks writers to tailor submissions to each agent's interests, but her public QueryManager page currently says she is not accepting unsolicited queries.

Last checked 25 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, women's fiction, romance, thriller, horror, memoir, how-to, advice, relationships, health, wellness, politics, current events, history

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

Latoya has represented fiction and nonfiction, with past interests including high-concept women's fiction, romance, thrillers, horror, memoir, how-to/advice, relationships, health and wellness, politics, current events, and history.

How to submit

No current unsolicited-query route found on the official LCS site. Treat as closed unless a current official submissions page appears.

Last checked 19 Jun 2026
Represents

Historical fiction, women's fiction, science fiction, fantasy, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

He represents historical fiction, women's fiction, science fiction and fantasy, and nonfiction of all stripes.

How to submit

Fiction submissions should include a cover letter listing previously published work, a one-page summary and the first five pages in the body of the email. Nonfiction submissions should query first, and when a proposal is requested, include an author biography, overview, chapter-by-chapter summary, marketing and publicity plan, analysis of competitive titles, and sample chapters or text.

Last checked 17 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

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

Last checked 15 Jun 2026Via Other
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, history, politics, current affairs, business, science

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, sample pages

Looking for

Sandra looks for writers with something significant to say, who know how to say it in a distinctive and compelling way, and whose books help to make this a better world. She champions quality fiction and nonfiction that makes a difference in the world, and which have a lasting impact.

How to submit

Only open to queries which are solicited or come via referral. At this time, she is taking on new clients infrequently. Use QueryMe.Online or DijkstraCapron.

Last checked 15 Jun 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Commercial fiction, upmarket fiction, dark romance, romantasy, romance, speculative fiction, mystery, thriller, gothic, horror, historical fiction, rom com, magical realism, current events, true crime, science, history, narrative non-fiction, sports, politics, health, nutrition, pop culture, humor, music, memoir

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

Looking for

Jill seeks fiction and non-fiction by unrepresented voices, BIPOC and Latinx writers, disabled persons, and LGBTQ+ people. She wants commercial and upmarket fiction emphasizing dark romance, romantasy, speculative fiction, mysteries, thrillers, Gothic, horror, and historical fiction, plus food-centric novels and psychological suspense in the vein of Freida McFadden. For non-fiction, she seeks authors with big, timely, smart messages and deep dives into subcultures, social commentary, and historical projects.

How to submit

Submit via QueryManager at QueryManager.com or JillMarr. Include query letter, 1-page synopsis, brief bio with publishing history, and first 10-15 pages for fiction. For non-fiction, include query letter and full book proposal.

Last checked 14 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, history, cultural studies, science, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, sample pages

Looking for

She is most interested in well-written narrative non-fiction (particularly trade-friendly history, cultural studies, and science) as well as character-driven literary fiction for the adult market. She is especially interested in working with scholars (particularly historians) who are looking to transition from the academic market to a trade readership, as well as journalists.

How to submit

Submit through QueryMe.Online portal. Include query letter and appropriate materials as specified on the submissions page.

Last checked 14 Jun 2026Via Online Form
Represents

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

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

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

How to submit

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

Last checked 14 Jun 2026
Represents

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

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

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

How to submit

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

Last checked 13 Jun 2026
Represents

Women's fiction, historical fiction, mystery, romance, romantic comedy, horror, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, humor, nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Courtney represents women's fiction, historical fiction, mysteries, romance and rom-coms, horror, science fiction and fantasy, YA novels, humor, and nonfiction. Her list emphasizes work from underrepresented voices.

How to submit

Check Handspun submission status and submit through the agency query system when open. Query each project once with the agency.

Last checked 12 Jun 2026Via Form
Represents

Romance, contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, speculative romance, horror romance, monster romance, dark romance, dystopian romance, new adult romance, romantasy, speculative fiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, young adult, upper middle grade, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, first chapter, synopsis

Looking for

She is looking for high-concept, commercial-leaning stories with propulsive and accessible narratives. She particularly wants dark romance, horror/monster romance, genre-mashups, fresh takes on historical romance and dystopian, mystery/thriller and suspense stories with female protagonists, and cozy crime stories with humor and charm.

How to submit

Submit queries only through QueryManager. Include a query letter, first chapter, and synopsis for fiction. Include genre and word count in the cover letter. Query only one agent at a time.

Last checked 12 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Upmarket fiction, historical fiction, supernatural suspense

Looking for

Bold, emotionally resonant fiction with unforgettable characters, strong stakes, and a sense of urgency. Especially drawn to upmarket, historical, and supernatural suspense, with a soft spot for haunting atmosphere, richly layered relationships, and characters who carry deep emotional wounds

How to submit

Check agent's submission page

Represents

Horror, gothic romance, grounded fantasy, thriller, mysteries, commercial fiction, science fiction, speculative fiction, historical fiction, erotic fiction

Wants: Query letter, 10-20 pages, synopsis

Looking for

She seeks horror across almost all subgenres and age categories, gothic romance, grounded fantasy, thrillers and mysteries with non-cop protagonists, commercial fiction, science fiction, speculative fiction, historical fiction featuring BIPOC and queer characters, and adult erotic fiction especially featuring BIPOC and LGBTQIA characters. She particularly welcomes stories by Honduran authors and Latine/x authors from Central America and the Caribbean.

How to submit

All ALA agents use Query Manager. Submit to one agent at a time, but if one agent passes, you can submit to up to three agents at ALA. Submit 10-20 polished pages for novels.

Last checked 5 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Contemporary fiction, literary fiction, historical fiction, lgbtq, fantasy, magical realism, science fiction, pop culture, memoir, humor, creativity, craft, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

She is primarily interested in fiction for adults, young adults and middle grade readers in contemporary fiction, literary fiction, historical fiction set in the 20th Century, LGBTQ issues, fantasy, magical realism, and science fiction. In non-fiction, she represents books by authors with demonstrable platforms in pop-culture, memoir, humor, creativity, and craft. She is also interested in graphic novels and memoirs for all ages.

How to submit

Submit query via QueryManager only. No snail mail submissions will be considered.

Last checked 4 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Historical fiction, foreign fiction, women's fiction, thriller, mysteries, middle grade fiction, history, business, political thought

Wants: Query letter, first five pages

Looking for

Josh is particularly interested in foreign and historical fiction, women's fiction, thrillers and mysteries, and some middle grade fiction. In nonfiction, he seeks history including micro-histories, business, and political thought.

How to submit

Send a query letter and the first five pages of your manuscript within the email with no attachments to the appropriate agent. Submit to only one agent at a time.

Last checked 4 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, graphic novels, middle grade, young adult, adult fiction, fantasy, science fiction, historical fantasy, magical realism, psychological horror, literary fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

She is currently only open to graphic novel proposals. She seeks explorations of love, friendship, or familial bonds against fantastic backdrops, obscure retold fairy tales, women and girls in STEM, quirky middle grade, modernized mythologies, psychological horror/thrillers with speculative elements, literary and near-future science fiction, historical fantasy, magical realism, and internally consistent epic fantasy.

How to submit

All ALA agents use Query Manager. Submit to one agent at a time. Include polished query letter, bio, and follow manuscript guidelines: novels submit 10-20 pages, graphic novels submit proposal with 10-20 sample pages and 2-4 full colored pages.

Last checked 4 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first 10 pages

Looking for

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

How to submit

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

Last checked 3 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Fantasy, historical fiction, thriller, mystery, pop science, narrative non-fiction, history

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, sample pages

Looking for

Claire seeks fantasy (especially non-western inspired worlds), historical fiction, thriller, and mystery with romantic or political subplots and immersive settings. She wants characters who chose to be heroes and stories with symbolic resonance. In nonfiction, she seeks pop-science books that use data to tell clear stories, narrative nonfiction between journalism and ethnography, and new histories touching present issues.

How to submit

Send query letter with synopsis, bio, and opening 3-4 pages embedded in email body. Do not send attachments without request.

Last checked 3 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Women's fiction, thriller, speculative fiction, commercial fiction, horror, mystery, historical romance, poetry, picture books

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

Looking for

She seeks stories that surprise and delight with characters readers can't stop thinking about and sharp writing. She wants high-concept, twisty stories with strong voices in women's fiction, thriller, and speculative fiction. She's particularly interested in timely commercial fiction where the personal intersects with world events, stories about female rage and friendships, complex family dynamics, incisive horror with social commentary, and atmospheric mysteries set in close-knit communities.

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, fantasy, mystery, romance, narrative non-fiction, memoir, history, pop culture, children's non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages

Looking for

Jim is particularly interested in literary fiction, underrepresented voices, fantasy, mysteries, romance, anything unusual or unexpected, and any book that makes him cry or laugh out loud. He wants to see more children's nonfiction.

How to submit

Submit to Jim McCarthy only via Query Manager at https:// queryManager.com or JimMcCarthy. Include query letter in body with first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, young adult, middle grade, graphic novels, picture books, pop culture, music, comedy, science, journalism, history, health, wellness, lgbtq and

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

Allison represents fiction and nonfiction for all ages, with interests including YA, middle grade, graphic novels, select picture books, pop culture, music, comedy, science, journalism, history, and health and wellness. Her submissions page says she is not currently looking for picture books or illustrators.

How to submit

Stimola Literary Studio says Allison Hellegers is closed to unsolicited submissions and is only open to queries from industry professionals, existing clients, and authors who attended a conference or seminar where she was on staff. Referral or conference authors may email the spelled-out SLS address with query materials.

Last checked 26 May 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, story collections, elevated genre fiction, literary journalism, idea-driven books, history, current affairs, politics, popular culture, natural world

Looking for

Literary and upmarket fiction, story collections, and elevated genre fiction. She's drawn to novels with a distinct voice, and is especially interested in stories with setting-as-character, coming-of-age, family sagas, noir elements, narratives seeped in contemporary internet culture, and protagonists grappling with timeless questions around faith and desire. In non-fiction, she's looking for literary journalism and idea-driven books across history, current affairs, politics, popular culture, and the natural world. She enjoys narratives that refract a broader view of modern life, incisive cultural criticism, scholarly inquiries with literary sensibilities, and projects that demystify a subculture to reveal something consequential about society

How to submit

Check agent's submission page

Last checked 19 Jul 2026
Represents

Women's fiction, literary fiction, book club fiction, contemporary romance, historical fiction, mystery, suspense, memoir, self-help nonfiction

Looking for

Fresh voices in women's fiction, literary fiction, book club fiction, contemporary romance, historical fiction, mystery and suspense, as well as memoir and selected self-help nonfiction

How to submit

Check agent's submission page

Last checked 18 Jul 2026
Represents

Commercial fiction, women's fiction, romance, historical fiction, thrillers, horror

Looking for

She is always interested in seeing new women's fiction, romance, historical fiction, thrillers and horror. Nalini maintains a diverse client list and loves to find exciting new voices that utilize elements of different genres to tell their story.

How to submit

Check agent's submission page

Last checked 18 Jul 2026

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