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US Literary fiction Literary Agents

395 agents · 263 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

Narrative nonfiction, popular science, spirituality, history, biography, pop culture, business, technology, parenting, health, self-help, music, food, thriller, crime fiction, science fiction, fantasy, military fiction, literary fiction, middle grade, young adult

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, opening pages

Looking for

Peter specializes in high-quality fiction and nonfiction, including narrative nonfiction, popular science, spirituality, history, biography, pop culture, business and technology, parenting, health, self-help, music, food, literate thrillers, crime fiction, science fiction, fantasy, military fiction, literary fiction, middle grade, and some boy-oriented young adult.

How to submit

Query Peter through the QueryTracker link on his FinePrint profile. FinePrint asks writers not to submit to more than one FinePrint agent at a time and to follow the selected agent's preferred submission method.

Last checked 14 Sept 2026Via QueryTracker
Represents

Poetry, literary nonfiction, literary fiction, investigative nonfiction, translation, criticism, music writing, food writing, cookbooks, children's

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Erika seeks projects that excite, invigorate, argue or surprise across poetry, literary nonfiction and fiction, investigative nonfiction, translation, criticism, music writing and food writing/cookbooks. In children's literature, she seeks inclusive work for children with gender-expansive identities and families.

How to submit

Submit through Erika Stevens's QueryManager form. Submit to only one SLM agent at a time, no response within 12 weeks means pass.

Last checked 14 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Thriller, mystery, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, young adult, adult fiction, horror, suspense

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

Barbara is looking for high-octane thrillers, edgy mysteries, literary, upmarket and commercial YA and adult fiction, suspense, horror and anything with a unique voice.

How to submit

Email Barbara.queries@wordonelit.com with the query letter and first 10 pages of the work in the body of the email.

Last checked 14 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, narrative nonfiction, business, self-development, history, true crime, pop culture, humor, sports

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Looking for

Peter represents commercial and literary fiction, science fiction and fantasy, young adult, narrative nonfiction, business, self-development, history, true crime, pop culture, humor, and sports.

How to submit

Submit through UTA Publishing's official query route and select Peter Steinberg where available. Do not query multiple UTA literary agents simultaneously.

Last checked 13 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Narrative nonfiction, idea-driven nonfiction, science, technology, nature, social justice, psychology, culture, literary memoir, cultural criticism, essays, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, psychological thriller, romantic comedy

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

Looking for

Caroline Eisenmann is drawn to narrative and idea-driven nonfiction shaped by expansive curiosity, especially work that makes hidden structures more legible, including science, technology, nature, social justice, psychology, culture, capitalism, deeply reported narratives, literary memoir, cultural criticism, and essays. In adult literary and upmarket fiction, she responds to speculative elements used for emotional truth, obsession, ruthless narrators, intimacy and its discontents, social issues on a human scale, underrepresented voices, visceral prose, vivid consciousness, driving plot, upmarket psychological thrillers, and romantic comedies.

How to submit

Send Caroline Eisenmann a query at ce@goldinlit.com. For fiction, memoir, essays, or narrative nonfiction, include a query letter and the first 10-15 pages in the body of the email. For other nonfiction, send a query letter and attach a proposal if prepared. Submit to only one Frances Goldin agent at a time.

Last checked 13 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, science, nature, journalism, current events, food, lifestyle, subcultures

Wants: Query letter, first fifteen pages, proposal

Looking for

Lisa represents fiction and nonfiction. In fiction, she looks for literary and upmarket novels, contained settings, unique communities, family sagas, complex relationships, strong writing, voice, diverse voices, and page-turning momentum. In nonfiction she represents narrative, science, nature, journalism, conversation-changing current events, food/lifestyle, and deep dives into subcultures or topics that help readers live better.

How to submit

Submit through UTA Publishing's official query form and select Lisa Grubka where available. UTA requires the first 15 pages of any manuscript or book proposal and asks writers not to query multiple UTA literary agents.

Last checked 13 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Nonfiction, fiction, literary fiction, short stories, business, leadership, psychology, health, wellness, technology, memoir, public affairs

Wants: Query letter, first fifteen pages, proposal

Looking for

Christy is Partner and Co-Head of UTA Publishing. She represents influential nonfiction authors and institutions as well as bestselling novelists and short story writers, with a list spanning business, leadership, psychology, health, wellness, technology, memoir, public affairs, literary fiction, and commercial fiction with strong storytelling and voice.

How to submit

Submit through UTA Publishing's official query form and select Christy Fletcher where available. UTA requires the first 15 pages of any manuscript or book proposal and asks writers not to query multiple UTA literary agents.

Last checked 12 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, nonfiction, science writing, memoir, history, cultural criticism, journalism

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Looking for

Sarah represents literary and upmarket fiction and a wide range of nonfiction, including science writing, literary memoir, revisionist history, cultural criticism, and urgent journalism.

How to submit

Submit through UTA Publishing's official query route and select Sarah Fuentes where available. Do not query multiple UTA literary agents simultaneously.

Last checked 12 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, literary suspense, crime, thriller, speculative fiction, science fiction, narrative nonfiction, social history, human behaviour, irish literature, british writers, european writers

Wants: Query letter, first fifteen pages, proposal

Looking for

Gráinne is looking for literary and commercial fiction, literary suspense, crime and thriller with a distinctive often feminist lens, intergenerational family stories, speculative and uncanny fiction, grounded science fiction, smart narrative nonfiction, social history, human behaviour, debut American voices, Irish literature, and British and European writers with US or international appeal.

How to submit

Submit through UTA Publishing's official query form and select Gráinne Fox where available. UTA requires the first 15 pages of any manuscript or book proposal and asks writers not to query multiple UTA literary agents.

Last checked 12 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, writing rooted in place, crime, literary suspense, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Looking for

Duvall represents literary fiction and narrative nonfiction, with interests including writing rooted in place, especially the South, multigenerational storytelling, crime, literary suspense, and graphic novels.

How to submit

Submit through UTA Publishing's official query route and select Duvall Osteen where available. Do not query multiple UTA literary agents simultaneously.

Last checked 12 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, genre fiction, narrative non-fiction, pop culture, psychology, history, science, art, business books, biography, memoir

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages, writing sample

Looking for

She looks for commercial fiction and is interested in brilliant novels, fun beach reads, gripping nonfiction narratives, inspirational memoirs or biographies, and instructional self-help titles.

How to submit

Send query letter via email with full query in body of email, not as attachment. Include first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction in the body of the email below the query letter.

Last checked 9 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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

Last checked 19 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
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 19 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Middle grade, fantasy, adult literary fiction, contemporary young adult, young adult, adult fiction, speculative fiction, underrepresented voices, marginalized voices

Looking for

Serene Hakim is an agent at Ayesha Pande Literary. She represents authors in a variety of genres from middle grade fantasy to adult literary fiction to contemporary YA. She is particularly interested in YA and adult fiction with international themes, a variety of cultures, and underrepresented or marginalized voices. She is currently primarily focusing on YA/MG and taking on adult writers more selectively. She loves books that are joy-filled and full of heart, stories that delve deep into grief, and books that explore different meanings of family, home, and identity, especially with a speculative bend.

How to submit

Serene Hakim is closed to queries according to the official Ayesha Pande Literary queries page. Queries submitted by any method, including the contact page, while an agent is closed will not be considered.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Form
Represents

Children's fiction, adult fiction, children's nonfiction, adult nonfiction, picture books, graphic novels, middle grade, young adult, literary fiction, romantic comedy, author-illustrated graphic novels

Looking for

Sara Crowe is founder of Sara Crowe Literary. She has 25 years of publishing experience and 20 years representing clients. She represents a diverse group of children's and adult fiction and nonfiction, from picture books to graphic novels to literary fiction and adult romantic comedies. Her official submissions page says she is looking for author-illustrated graphic novels, middle grade and YA fiction, children's and adult nonfiction, and adult fiction, specifically romantic comedies and literary fiction, with special interest in underrepresented voices.

How to submit

Sara Crowe is currently closed to queries according to the official Sara Crowe Literary submissions page.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026
Represents

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

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

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.

How to submit

Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency is not accepting submissions.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026
Represents

Literary nonfiction, narrative journalism, commercial fiction, adult fiction, adult nonfiction

Looking for

Stuart Krichevsky founded Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency in 1995 after a fifteen-year career at Sterling Lord Literistic. His official team profile says he has over four decades of agency experience, has represented dozens of New York Times bestsellers, and has a focus on literary nonfiction, narrative journalism, and commercial fiction.

How to submit

Stuart Krichevsky is currently closed to queries according to the official Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency submissions page.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026
Represents

Adult literary fiction, upmarket fiction, historical fiction, magical realism, gothic fiction, narrative nonfiction, travel, health and wellness, ecology, nature, cultural criticism, indigenous voices, first nations voices, bipoc voices, queer voices, translation

Looking for

Maggie Sadler primarily seeks adult literary and upmarket fiction with distinct character voices, lyrical prose, and propulsive plots. She likes work that challenges or deconstructs genre, craft, or structural conventions; grounded magical elements; folklore and fairy-tale retellings, especially non-Western; unusual concepts; unreliable narrators; liminal spaces; atmospheric magical realism; gothic work outside the Deep South; historical fiction foregrounding marginalized perspectives; adult narratives in translation; and adult narrative nonfiction on travel, health and wellness, ecology and nature, and cultural criticism. She welcomes debut Indigenous, First Nations, BIPOC, and queer storytellers.

How to submit

Howland Literary uses QueryManager for submissions, but Maggie Sadler's official linked QueryManager page currently says she is not accepting queries during a short medical break.

Last checked 16 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Science fiction, fantasy, horror, speculative fiction, literary speculative fiction, climate fiction

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Looking for

Arley is primarily interested in adult speculative titles, including science fiction, fantasy, horror with speculative or fantastic elements, literary speculative fiction, and climate fiction.

How to submit

Arley Sorg is currently closed to queries according to KT Literary's official agents page.

Last checked 16 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Romance, fantasy, horror, lgbtq and, literary fiction, thriller, mystery, new adult, science fiction, young adult

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Looking for

Des is a literary agent at Metamorphosis. The agency submissions page lists romance, fantasy, horror, LGBTQ+, literary, thriller, mystery, New Adult, science fiction, and young adult among Des's categories.

How to submit

Des Salazar's QueryManager route says they are closed at this moment and to consider submitting again when they are accepting more work in January and July.

Last checked 16 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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

Last checked 16 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

Rachel is currently closed for submissions

Last checked 15 Oct 2026
Represents

Upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, young adult, literary fiction, suspense, supernatural horror, speculative romance, romantasy, fantasy, adventure, romance, science fiction, magical fabulism, romantic comedy, speculative thriller

Looking for

Victoria Marini is Agent and Founder at High Line Literary Collective. Her list spans upmarket and commercial adult and young adult work, from literary page-turners to commercial suspense, supernatural horror, whimsical speculative romantasy, big-world fantasy, adventure, romance, edgy science fiction, grounded magical fabulism, rom-coms, and speculative thrillers. She likes unforgettable authentic characters, hooky concepts with strong plotting and an emotional core, unique voices or visions, quirk, mystery, small-town hysteria, atmosphere, secrets, things that go bump in the night, charm, magic, and humor.

How to submit

Victoria Marini is currently closed to queries according to her official High Line profile. Requested Thrillerfest 2025 materials have a specific official QueryTracker link, but general unsolicited queries are closed.

Last checked 15 Oct 2026
Represents

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

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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

Last checked 14 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
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 14 Oct 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Commercial fiction, upmarket fiction, literary fiction, new adult, adult fiction, romance, women's fiction, horror, dark comedy, satire, weird fiction, lgbtq and, black stories, paranormal romance

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Looking for

Kaylyn is a junior literary agent interested in commercial, upmarket, and literary fiction for New Adult and adult audiences. She is seeking romance, women's fiction, horror, dark comedies and satires, weird fiction, Black stories and LGBTQ+ stories not centered around trauma, unique takes on classic stories, and paranormal romances.

How to submit

Kaylyn Aldridge's QueryManager route is currently closed and says to check back in December, June, or July.

Last checked 14 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 14 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Narrative nonfiction, memoir, science, nature, social justice, politics, health, food writing, culture, literary fiction, graphic novels

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

Wales Literary Agency represents narrative-driven nonfiction, memoir, science, nature, social justice, politics, health, food writing, culture, literary fiction, and graphic novels. The agency does not represent self-help, how-to, children's books, romance, general genre fiction, mysteries, or screenplays.

How to submit

Wales Literary Agency is currently open to submissions by referral only.

Last checked 14 Oct 2026
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, commercial fiction, literary fiction

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via Email
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 13 Oct 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Literary fiction, nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, science, nature, social justice, politics, health, food writing, culture, graphic novels

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

Adrienne has a strong interest in literary fiction and nonfiction. Wales Literary Agency represents narrative-driven nonfiction, memoir, science, nature, social justice, politics, health, food writing, culture, literary fiction, and graphic novels.

How to submit

Wales Literary Agency is currently open to submissions by referral only.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026
Represents

Narrative nonfiction, memoir, science, nature, social justice, politics, health, food writing, culture, literary fiction, graphic novels

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

Wales Literary Agency represents narrative-driven nonfiction, memoir, science, nature, social justice, politics, health, food writing, culture, literary fiction, and graphic novels.

How to submit

Wales Literary Agency is currently open to submissions by referral only.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026

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