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US Literary fiction Literary Agents

403 agents · 268 currently open to submissions

Literary fiction in the US is less a single shelf than a set of expectations: sentence-level control, emotional pressure, and a reason the book should exist beyond plot. Writers working near Alice Munro-style domestic compression need different agents from writers aiming at experimental structure, politically engaged realism, or multigenerational family novels. The label can overlap with upmarket fiction, book club fiction, and memoir, so the submission decision is often about positioning as much as taste. Some agents want quiet character studies; others need a sharper hook they can sell without flattening the prose. Before submitting, look at recent deals and client lists to see whether an agent's literary interests run toward debuts, short-story writers, campus novels, or bigger social canvases. 148+ US agents on this page list literary fiction, but the fit is usually narrower than the label suggests.

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Represents

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

Wants: Query letter, proposal, manuscript

Looking for

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

How to submit

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

Last checked 19 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

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'

Last checked 19 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

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

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

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

Last checked 19 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, book club fiction, grounded speculative, horror, thrillers, narrative nonfiction, practical nonfiction, poetry, ya

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages

Looking for

Literary and book club fiction, grounded speculative, horror, thrillers, narrative and practical nonfiction, as well as select poetry and YA

How to submit

Email queries directly to Ashley at ashley@mmqalit.com with word 'query' and project title in subject line, include first 10 pages in body of email

Last checked 19 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

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

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

Submit through QueryManager database

Last checked 19 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Wants: Query letter, bio, first 10 pages

Looking for

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

How to submit

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.

Last checked 18 Jul 2026Via Form
Represents

Literary fiction, prescriptive nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first 20 pages

Looking for

Adult literary, upmarket, and commercial fiction as well as memoir, narrative and prescriptive non-fiction, and cookbooks

How to submit

Carrie is only accepting submissions via her personal QueryManager link. Please include your title, word count, genre, query letter, synopsis, and 20 sample pages in the form provided.

Last checked 17 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Debut fiction, horror, mystery, thriller, romance, general fiction, literary fiction, biography, film, television

Wants: Query letter, short bio, synopsis, chapter breakdown, first three chapters, book proposal

Looking for

Priya represents fiction, nonfiction, authors, and screenwriters, with AALA-listed interests including debut fiction, horror, mystery, thriller, romance, general fiction, literary fiction, and biography.

How to submit

Email submissions to contact@lotuslit.com with a short bio, query letter, brief synopsis, chapter breakdown, and first three chapters as a Word document. Nonfiction submissions should include a proposal and detailed information on competing books.

Last checked 17 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, nonfiction

Looking for

Bold, diverse voices in both fiction and nonfiction, particularly stories exploring strong or difficult women, unexpected narratives of place and identity, and the evolving ways we understand ourselves and one another. Also has a strong interest in food history, wine, and dance.

How to submit

Submit through the Aevitas Creative Management contact and submissions form available on their website.

Last checked 15 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Literary fiction, mystery, suspense, memoir, cookbook

Looking for

Upmarket fiction with strong commercial potential, particularly mystery, suspense, and psychologically layered narratives. Also select cookbooks and literary memoir from exceptional storytellers whose work resonates with national media and has film and television potential.

How to submit

Submit through Query Manager at QueryManager.com or QueryLoriGalvin. Lori only accepts submissions via this platform.

Last checked 15 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 14 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

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

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

Looking for

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

How to submit

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.

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

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

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

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

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, poetry, translation

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

Looking for

Nora is interested in literary and upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoirs, cookbooks, select poetry, translation, Spanish-language authors, and international writers.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, crossover fiction, creative nonfiction, illustrated work

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

Looking for

Meredith represents literary and crossover fiction, creative nonfiction, and occasional illustrated work, with emphasis on bold, humane storytelling and literary-leaning narratives that incorporate genre elements.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror, young adult, middle grade, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, food, travel, lifestyle, lgbtq and, latinx

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Lauren is interested in commercial, literary, and upmarket fiction; mystery, suspense, thriller, romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror, young adult, and middle grade; and nonfiction with a strong platform in narrative nonfiction, pop culture, food, travel, lifestyle, LGBTQ+, and Latinx topics.

How to submit

Submit via Lauren Abramo's QueryManager form following Dystel, Goderich and Bourret submission guidelines. Include the query materials requested by QueryManager, do not email queries outside the stated process.

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Nonfiction, literary fiction

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

Looking for

Chris has wide-ranging nonfiction tastes and literary fiction tastes; in both categories he is looking for great writing by smart writers and prefers queries with a sample chapter or two.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, mystery, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction, trade nonfiction

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

Looking for

The agency works with commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers and mysteries, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction with a strong narrative hook, and trade nonfiction.

How to submit

Email agent@ethanellenberg.com, indicating the agent, manuscript title, and genre in the subject line. Paste all materials in the body: for fiction, query letter, 1-2 page synopsis, and first 50 pages, for nonfiction, query letter, outline, and sample chapters up to 50 pages.

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, psychological thriller, practical nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, food, lifestyle

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

Looking for

Anna represents smart literary and commercial fiction, psychological thrillers, practical and narrative nonfiction, food and drink, and lifestyle.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 12 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, romance, mystery, thriller, memoir, narrative nonfiction, self-help, health, wellness, cookbooks, business, biography

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Denise says she will look at anything, with emphasis on strong writing and storytelling across fiction and nonfiction. Her stated interests include literary and commercial fiction, women's fiction, romance, mystery, thriller, memoir, narrative nonfiction, self-help, health and wellness, cookbooks, business, and biography.

How to submit

Submit through the Barone Literary online submissions form. Include a query letter, synopsis, and sample pages as requested by the form.

Last checked 12 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, cultural analysis, history of ideas, science

Wants: Query letter, author bio, sample chapter

Looking for

Phoebe Rhinehart enjoys well-observed literary fiction that explores the tragedy of the human condition in the everyday, intense interiority, and lyrical prose. Her nonfiction tastes include ambitious cross-disciplinary cultural analyses, histories of ideas, and the sciences, especially nonfiction where personality and passion come through.

How to submit

Email info@thegernertco.com with a query letter describing the work, information about yourself, and a sample chapter if appropriate. Indicate in the query letter that you are querying Phoebe Rhinehart. Do not email individual agents directly, phone the office about unsolicited manuscripts, send original copies, submit by regular mail, or submit work generated by AI.

Last checked 12 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Nonfiction, cultural criticism, history, investigative journalism, popular science, social science, true crime, literary fiction

Wants: Query letter, first ten to fifteen pages, proposal

Looking for

Alison Lewis represents nonfiction across cultural criticism, history, investigative journalism, popular science, social science, literary true crime, and select literary fiction. She is drawn to distinctive voice and perspective, excellent prose, social or political imagination, vivid narratives, hidden or forgotten worlds, and writers challenging entrenched power.

How to submit

Submit to only one Frances Goldin Literary Agency agent at a time. Alison Lewis is not accepting unsolicited queries for fiction and memoir. For other nonfiction, send a query to atl@goldinlit.com. For fiction, memoir, essays, or narrative nonfiction the agency asks for a query letter and first 10-15 pages in the body of the email, for other nonfiction send a query letter and attach a prepared proposal if available.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Nonfiction, cultural history, social history, popular science, philosophy, narrative nonfiction, memoir, investigative journalism, essays, cultural criticism, literary fiction

Wants: Query letter, bio, comparable books, first twenty pages or proposal

Looking for

Allison Devereux leads Trellis Literary Management's nonfiction program. She is interested in cultural and social history, popular science, philosophy, deeply reported narrative, outward-facing memoir, investigative journalism, big idea books, essays and criticism, select illustrated projects, and select literary fiction by referral.

How to submit

Submit through Allison Devereux's official QueryManager form. Trellis accepts unsolicited submissions only through QueryManager and asks writers not to submit to multiple Trellis agents during the 8-12 week review window. Her form asks for author bio, why Trellis, title, word count, genre, query letter, comparable books, and the first 20 pages or full nonfiction proposal.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, social science, popular science, popular psychology, memoir, nature writing

Wants: Query letter, bio, comparable books, first twenty pages or proposal

Looking for

Allison Malecha represents a small, selective list split between fiction and nonfiction. In literary and upmarket fiction she is drawn to messy family stories, outsider perspectives, narratives that take readers somewhere unexpected, sharp and imaginative line-level writing, emotional movement, strong sense of place, gothic novels in fresh settings, and complex friendship novels. In nonfiction she wants generous yet galvanizing narrative nonfiction with historical or international dimensions, social science, pop science, pop psychology, memoir tied to larger current issues or expertise, and nature writing from underrepresented voices.

How to submit

Submit through Allison Malecha's official QueryManager form. Trellis accepts unsolicited submissions only through QueryManager and asks writers not to submit to multiple Trellis agents during the 8-12 week review window. Her form asks for author bio, why Trellis, title, word count, genre, query letter, comparable books, and the first 20 pages or full nonfiction proposal.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, popular fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, cookbooks, current affairs, true crime, women's issues, men's issues, multicultural issues, global issues

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio

Looking for

Andrea represents Spanish, Portuguese, and English-language authors. Indent is interested in literary and popular fiction, memoirs, narrative nonfiction, cookbooks, current affairs, true crime, women's and men's issues, and multicultural or global issues, with a primary focus on Latino and Latin American authors.

How to submit

Email a query letter to info@indentagency.com. Include a 1-2 page synopsis, author information, publishing background if any, and contact information. Do not send a full manuscript unless requested.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, bio, comparable books, audience statement

Looking for

Anna Ghosh has wide and eclectic literary interests. She is particularly interested in literary narratives and books that illuminate some aspect of human endeavor or the natural world, and she is drawn to compelling storytelling in most guises. She does not typically represent genre fiction.

How to submit

Send submissions to submissions@ghoshliterary.com with an email briefly introducing yourself and your work. Ghosh Literary says no specific format is required, but it is helpful to include qualifications for writing the book, including publications and recognition, who you expect to buy and read the book, and similar books and authors.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Thriller, literary fiction, serious nonfiction, science, history, public policy, medicine, women's issues

Wants: Query letter, author bio, first three chapters, book proposal

Looking for

Anne has an eclectic list ranging from thrillers to literary fiction to serious nonfiction, with particular interests in science, history, public policy, medicine, and women's issues.

How to submit

Email a brief query letter directly to ahawkins@jhalit.com, or send a general query to jha@jhalit.com. Include genre, summary or synopsis, word count, and writing background. Fiction should include the first three chapters or opening chapter as one Word attachment, nonfiction should include a proposal as one Word attachment.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, science fiction, fantasy, horror, thriller, mystery, historical fiction, romance, commercial fiction, literary fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Anne represents adult fiction, with public listings and author-facing materials emphasizing genre and commercial fiction including science fiction, fantasy, horror, thriller, mystery, historical, romance, commercial, and literary fiction.

How to submit

Submit through Anne Tibbets' QueryTracker or QueryManager form. Do not query Anne at the same time as another Donald Maass Literary Agency agent.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager

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