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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, new adult, adult fiction, fantasy, magical realism, speculative fiction, folklore, mythology, fairytale retellings, literary fiction, historical fiction, science fiction, time travel, own voices

Looking for

Kendyll Drilling is mostly interested in fiction for young adult, new adult, and adult audiences, especially character-driven stories with dark themes and unique narrative voices. She is looking for fantasy and magical realism with a balance between character and plot, speculative fiction meant to spark larger conversations, folklore, mythology and fairytale elements with dark themes and subverted expectations, literary fiction with morally grey or unlikable characters, gothic and dark academia themes, historical fiction set before 1900, immersive and well-researched science fiction, time travel with set rules, and Own Voices narratives exploring mental health, disability, chronic illness, cultural identity, gender and sexuality, and femininity.

How to submit

Kendyll Drilling is currently closed to queries and on leave until further notice according to her official Corvisiero profile.

Last checked 1 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, international thrillers, history, science, photography, music, culture

Looking for

Joseph Regal is currently not taking on new writers. His primary interests are literary fiction, international thrillers, history, science, photography, music, culture, and whimsy.

How to submit

Joseph Regal is currently not taking on new writers according to the official Regal Hoffmann contact or submissions page, so there is no open submission route for him.

Represents

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, adult fiction, adult nonfiction, christian fiction, new adult, women's fiction, book club fiction, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, sweet romance, historical nonfiction, memoir

Looking for

Mara Cobb is an agent at Lighthouse Literary. She is drawn to strong and feisty protagonists, antagonists with redemptive arcs, curveball plots, surprising twists, and books that are impossible to put down. Her wishlist includes MG with spunky characters navigating life changes with joy and humor; YA with believable, authentic characters, including dystopian, contemporary, and romance; adult Christian fiction, new adult, women's fiction, book club fiction, contemporary, historical, and sweet romance; and adult nonfiction including historical nonfiction, relevant topics for today's readers, and occasional memoir with a strong author platform.

How to submit

Mara Cobb uses QueryTracker or QueryManager, but the official linked form currently says she is not accepting queries and expects to open again in spring 2026.

Last checked 30 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Fantasy, historical fiction, young adult, middle grade, scary fiction, grounded fantasy

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Looking for

Rebecca is interested in fantasy of all kinds, strong hooks, good pacing, grounded worlds, believable characters, scary YA, and middle grade historical fiction.

How to submit

Rebecca Love is currently closed to queries. When open, submit through her QueryManager route and follow Booker Albert's current guidelines.

Last checked 30 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
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 28 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
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 28 Sept 2026Via Form
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 28 Sept 2026
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 27 Sept 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 27 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Adult literary fiction, upmarket fiction, speculative fiction, magical realism, historical fiction, romance, contemporary fiction, book club fiction, narrative nonfiction, history, science, memoir, technology, race, gender, class, disability, multicultural perspectives

Wants: Query letter, one sentence pitch, comparable books, first twenty pages, full nonfiction proposal, ai disclosure

Looking for

Natalie Edwards represents adult literary fiction, upmarket fiction, and nonfiction. In fiction she is looking for literary fiction that breaks convention, upmarket fiction about subcultures and quirky communities, speculative fiction and magical realism where the strange or supernatural sharpens real-life stakes, grounded historical fiction, untraditional romance, contemporary work led by voice, complex characters, and deep interiority, and book club novels. In nonfiction she likes narrative nonfiction about niche corners of history and science, memoirs with a strong voice and a singular lens, and books that change how readers understand technology, social media, food, sports, medicine, race, gender, class, disability, or multicultural perspectives.

How to submit

Submit to Natalie Edwards through her official QueryManager link. Trellis accepts unsolicited submissions only through QueryManager. Do not submit to multiple Trellis agents during the 8-12 week review window. Natalie's form asks for a query letter, one-sentence pitch, comparable books, AI disclosure, and the first 20 pages or a full nonfiction proposal.

Last checked 27 Sept 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 27 Sept 2026
Represents

Big idea nonfiction, narrative journalism, history, science, cultural criticism, upmarket fiction, literary fiction, poetry

Looking for

Mackenzie Brady Watson is actively looking for compellingly written, deeply researched books that help readers better understand the societal forces and systems shaping their realities and how they might think or behave differently, including big idea books, narrative journalism, history, science, and cultural criticism. On the fiction side, she is seeking emotionally evocative and voice-driven upmarket and literary fiction and poetry with a surprising hook.

How to submit

Mackenzie Brady Watson is currently closed to queries according to the official SKLA submissions page.

Last checked 26 Sept 2026
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 Sept 2026Via Email
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 26 Sept 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 25 Sept 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 25 Sept 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 25 Sept 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 25 Sept 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 24 Sept 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

Last checked 24 Sept 2026
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 24 Sept 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 23 Sept 2026
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 19 Sept 2026Via Other
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 19 Sept 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 18 Sept 2026Via Email
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 18 Sept 2026
Represents

Narrative nonfiction, biography, memoir, music history, self-help, cookbook, psychology, cultural studies

Looking for

Clients who ask big questions, explore fascinating subcultures, and serve as paradigm-shifters in their fields. Particularly interested in performing artists and public figures successful in one medium whose talents and perspectives extend into narrative nonfiction. Represents thought leaders, journalists, doctors, psychologists, and cultural figures whose work inspires, entertains, and educates while challenging conventional thinking.

How to submit

Online submission form

Last checked 18 Sept 2026Via Online Form
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 18 Sept 2026
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 16 Sept 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.

Last checked 14 Sept 2026
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.

Last checked 14 Sept 2026
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 9 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
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 Oct 2026
Represents

Cookbooks, investigative journalism, self-help, health, wellness, social science, popular science, culture, narrative nonfiction, upmarket fiction, literary fiction, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, literary mystery, magical realism, science fiction

Wants: Query letter, first chapter, first 10 pages, author platform

Looking for

Kim primarily specializes in nonfiction and is actively seeking expertise- or platform-driven cookbooks, investigative journalism, self-help, health, wellness, social science, pop science, culture, and narrative nonfiction that adds nuance or makes niche subjects accessible. On a highly selective basis, she also considers adult upmarket and literary fiction, including contemporary and historical realism, literary mystery, magical realism, and near-future science fiction.

How to submit

Stonesong accepts electronic queries at submissions@stonesong.com, but the current submissions page does not list Kim among the named query recipients. Verify current route before querying Kim.

Last checked 18 Oct 2026Via Email

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