US Literary fiction Literary Agents

Adult fiction, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, book club fiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, mystery, suspense, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, middle grade, young adult, children's fiction, children's nonfiction, business books, diverse voices

Lisa Abellera represents adult literary, upmarket/book club, women's fiction, historical fiction, mystery, suspense, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, and crossover speculative fiction. In children's fiction she represents all fiction genres in middle grade and YA. She responds to well-crafted prose, strong hooks, high personal stakes, complex and sympathetic characters, tangible sense of place, lush world-building, non-Western cultural aspects, emotionally immersive fiction, and underrepresented voices. In limited nonfiction, she is looking for middle grade prescriptive projects and adult prescriptive business books for women or by women.

KC and A links Lisa Abellera's QueryMe or QueryManager form from the official team page. The linked form currently says Lisa Abellera is not accepting unsolicited queries, so there is no open submission route at this time.

Adult fiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction, thrillers, mystery, book club fiction, historical fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, women's issues, cross-cultural nonfiction, history, humor, quirky nonfiction

Wants: Query letter

Liza Dawson specializes in smart, plot-driven bestselling fiction; memorable, confidently written literary fiction; page-turning thrillers with spycraft, foreign intrigue, or unusual careers; mysteries with brainy detectives; literary fiction for book clubs; and breakout historical novels. In nonfiction she is drawn to cross-cultural and women's issues by experts, narrative history, memoirs about escape from closed or repressive societies, and books by journalists and poets making sense of place, race, the environment, Wall Street, Washington, or the South.

Liza Dawson is currently closed to queries according to her official profile. Her profile says to send only a query letter in the body of the email to queryliza@lizadawsonassociates.com, and the agency submissions page says to query only one Liza Dawson Associates agent at a time.

Fiction, nonfiction, commercial fiction, literary fiction

Kimberley Cameron represents both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts, with the exception of romance, children's books, and screenplays. While working largely by referral, she is always looking for exceptional writing in any field, particularly writing that touches the heart and makes readers feel something.

Kimberley Cameron is currently closed to submissions indefinitely and is only reviewing projects on a referral basis according to her official linked QueryManager page. KC and A uses QueryManager and does not accept submissions through email.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy

Jessica Felleman represents a range of creators, loves fresh stories about magic, and looks for commercial and literary fiction featuring underserved voices, unforgettable places, and complicated families.

Jessica Felleman is currently closed to queries according to her official linked QueryManager page, which says she closed on May 19 after her inbox crossed 800 new queries. Her official agency page says she accepts queries via QueryManager only.

Nonfiction, fiction, politics, current events, biography, memoir, practical nonfiction, commercial fiction, literary fiction

Gary Morris has worked on books in many categories, including politics and current events, biography, memoir, practical nonfiction, commercial fiction, and literary fiction.

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

Nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, big idea books, literary fiction, commercial fiction, children's books, illustrated books

Gillian MacKenzie represents journalists, experts, academics, literary writers, nonfiction, select fiction, children's titles, and illustrated books. She is particularly drawn to cross-disciplinary explorations, narrative nonfiction, and big-idea books that offer a new lens onto the world.

Gillian MacKenzie is not accepting unsolicited submissions. The Gillian MacKenzie Agency submissions page says the agency is currently closed to unsolicited queries.

Nonfiction, health, nutrition, psychology, parenting, spirituality, judaica, literary nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir

Gareth Esersky represents nonfiction authors in health, nutrition, psychology, parenting, spirituality, Judaica, literary nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, and memoir.

Gareth Esersky is not open to submissions at this time.

Middle grade, young adult, literary fiction, general fiction, historical fiction, thriller, women's fiction, science, popular science, self-help, health, wellness

Wants: Query letter, sample pages, proposal

A.J. is seeking middle grade and YA in all genres, plus adult literary, general, historical, thriller, and women's fiction. They are drawn to books that merge literary sensibility with compelling plot and are also interested in fresh nonfiction ideas in science, popular science, self-help, and health/wellness from authors with platforms.

A.J. Van Belle is currently closed to queries, with conference pitches noted as an exception. When open, submit through the query route linked from their Booker Albert profile.

Narrative nonfiction, investigative journalism, business books, literary fiction, memoir, history, political nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

The Carr Agency represents bestselling writers of narrative nonfiction, investigative journalism, business books, and literary fiction, with Parse continuing the agency model around editorial support, concept development, brand management, book deals, podcasts, newsletters, speaking, workshops, film, and television opportunities.

The Carr Agency or Parse states it is closed to submissions. For non-submission inquiries, write to info at parseagency dot com.

Literary fiction, nonfiction, international writing, translation, unusual genre fiction, graphic novels, foreign rights

Markus Hoffmann is a partner at Regal Hoffmann & Associates. In addition to handling his own list of English-language and international writers of literary fiction and nonfiction, including unusual genre and graphic novels, he looks after the agency's foreign rights.

Markus Hoffmann is accepting queries by referral only according to the official RHA contact or submissions page, so there is no public unsolicited submission route to list. RHA asks writers not to query multiple agents at the same time.

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

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.

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.

Upmarket fiction, literary fiction, speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, dystopian, middle grade, young adult, picture books, lgbtq and, marginalized voices

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Lisa likes upmarket and literary fiction with lyrical prose, memorable characters, and fast-moving plots, especially stories about friendships, parents and children, or people facing hardship due to gender. She is also interested in speculative fiction with literary/upmarket writing, cozy fantasy, sci-fi/fantasy partly set in our world, middle grade and young adult speculative work, and high-concept picture books.

Lisa Gouldy is currently closed to queries, and email submissions will not be considered.

Speculative fiction, psychological horror, mystery, romance fantasy, literary fiction, picture books, middle grade fiction

Wants: Query letter

Bonnie seeks underrepresented authors across all age groups. She wants speculative psychological horror mysteries, normalized queerness where it isn't the focus of the plot, romance fantasy with HEA required, and issue-driven stories addressing timeless social issues. For picture books, stories must be child-centered giving kids agency. For middle grade, she seeks stories based on kid-focused issues with magic elements.

Send queries only through QueryManager. Anything sent to email or social media will be deleted immediately.

Literary fiction, literary suspense, thriller, book club fiction, speculative fiction, experimental fiction, true crime, upmarket fiction, crime fiction, literary horror

Danya Kukafka is interested in literary fiction with propulsive storylines, literary suspense, sophisticated thrillers, book club fiction, speculative fiction, experimental fiction, true crime attuned to cultural conversations, upmarket fiction, crime fiction with a literary bent, literary horror that plays with form and structure, lightly speculative fiction, expansive literary fiction, dark coming-of-age, and fun sophisticated upmarket fiction.

Danya Kukafka is currently closed to queries. Her official Trellis profile links to QueryManager, and the linked QueryManager page states that she is not accepting queries at this time and will be closed through the summer.

Adult fantasy, young adult fantasy, science fiction, horror, speculative fiction, upmarket fiction, literary fiction, mystery, thriller, crime fiction, young adult contemporary

Wants: Query letter, first twenty pages, synopsis, comparable books

Ernie Chiara specializes in adult and young adult fantasy, science fiction, and horror, speculative upmarket and literary fiction, BIPOC mystery, thriller, and crime fiction, and young adult contemporary. He wants character-driven stories with layered worldbuilding, original settings, immersive plotting, propulsive pacing, genre blends, distinct voice, and complex characters.

Ernie Chiara is currently closed to unsolicited queries and is considering queries by personal referral or event request only. When open, he accepts submissions exclusively through QueryManager, email and social-media queries are deleted unread.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, sample pages

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.

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.

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

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, sample pages

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.

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

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction, prescriptive non-fiction, business, pop culture

Wants: Query letter

Fargis is looking for upmarket women's fiction, book club fiction, and middle grade fiction that blurs the line between literary and commercial. She does not want romance, high fantasy, true crime, poetry, or children's picture books.

Review individual agent biographies and submit query addressed to one agent at submissions@stonesong.com. Include the word query in the subject line. For fiction, include the first chapter or first 10 pages pasted into the body of the email. For nonfiction, include bio, credentials, social media analytics, previous publications, and platform information. Do not send attachments.

Fiction, nonfiction, children's, illustration, memoir, journalism, political nonfiction, literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, poetry

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency represents fiction, nonfiction and children's book authors and illustrators, with a focus on diverse voices and previously untold stories through its SLM partnership.

Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency is not accepting submissions.

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, graphic novels, ya, middle-grade, poetry, picture books

Fiction that breaks her heart, non-fiction that blows her mind. Literary fiction, commercial or upmarket fiction, funny or whimsical middle-grade fiction, contemporary or speculative YA fiction, narrative-driven non-fiction

Rachel is currently closed for submissions

Literary fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, ya, middle grade, crime fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction

Literary and upmarket commercial fiction (including select young adult and middle grade), crime fiction, memoir, and narrative nonfiction

Currently closed for unsolicited submissions

Literary fiction, upmarket commercial women's fiction, narrative nonfiction, children's books

Literary fiction and upmarket, commercial women's fiction. Narrative nonfiction. Children's books, especially middle grade and young adult.

Email queries only at jenniferlyonsagency (at) gmail (dot) com

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, select non-fiction

See source page for more info

Check agent's submission page

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

Wants: Query letter

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.

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

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction, journalism, history

Wants: Query letter

She is interested primarily in literary and upmarket fiction and memoir, and especially stories grappling with racial, religious, sexual or national identity, narrative nonfiction, journalism, and history.

Submit queries through QueryManager.

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

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.

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.

Upmarket literary fiction, literary non-fiction, picture books, middle grade fiction, middle grade non-fiction, young adult fiction, young adult non-fiction

Wants: Query letter

She seeks first and foremost voice, a strong narrative, memorable characters, unusual premises, and underrepresented people, places, and perspectives, including #OwnVoices writers and stories.

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

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

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.

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.

Children's fiction, picture books, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, commercial fiction, literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, middle grade non-fiction, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages, writing sample

Offbeat projects that break the mold, with particular interest in queer and BIPOC literature and writers. He wants to read something that moves him and connects on an intellectual, emotional or spiritual level. He specifically wants to see more middle grade fiction and nonfiction, and graphic novels.

Submit only via Query Manager. Include query letter in body and first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction. For picture books, include full text and dummy or sample art if available. For graphic novels, include first 25 pages of script plus illustrated pages if author or illustrator.

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

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages

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.

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.

Non-fiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages

In nonfiction, she seeks big-idea books examining technology, race, disability, queerness, inequality, science, politics, cultural histories, and close studies. In fiction, she seeks literary and commercial works that reveal new connections and fuller ways to be human, prioritizing writers whose sentences thrum with voice and style.

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. Please include the sample pages in the body of the email below your query. Please direct your submission to an individual agent and send your material to submissions@janklow.com.