PairPi

US Memoir Literary Agents

291 agents · 196 currently open to submissions

Memoir agents in the United States represent 98+ writers working across personal narrative, from celebrity tell-alls to intimate family stories. The category spans everything from addiction recovery narratives like Cheryl Strayed's *Wild* to cultural commentary memoirs, military experiences, and coming-of-age stories about identity, trauma, or transformation. Many agents distinguish between traditional memoir and memoir-adjacent projects such as essay collections, travel narratives, or hybrid works blending personal story with reported journalism. Some focus specifically on celebrity or platform-driven projects, while others seek literary memoirs from emerging voices with exceptional prose and universal themes. The market rewards both household names and unknown writers whose stories illuminate broader cultural moments or underrepresented experiences. Submission materials typically include a proposal with sample chapters rather than a complete manuscript, though debut memoirists often benefit from having substantial portions written to demonstrate their ability to sustain narrative voice and pacing throughout a full-length work.

Refine search
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, 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

Thriller, mystery, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, romance, science fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, biography, middle grade

Wants: Query letter, first chapter

Looking for

Ronald is focused on cinematic stories with strong hooks and relatable characters, and is actively looking for thriller and mystery, historical and contemporary fiction, romance, grounded science fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir and biography, and middle grade.

How to submit

Email a query letter to assistant@bookhaven.com with the word "Query" in the subject line and the first chapter attached as a Word document.

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, 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

Narrative nonfiction, prescriptive nonfiction, food, lifestyle, advice, pop culture, memoir

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

Looking for

Nicole represents narrative and prescriptive nonfiction, including food, lifestyle, advice, pop culture, and memoir.

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, 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

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, 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

Adult fiction, children's fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, health and wellness, sports, history, business, popular culture

Wants: Query letter, proposal, complete manuscript on request

Looking for

Alex Glass represents fiction and nonfiction for adults and children. His official profile notes debut novelists, memoirists, journalists, celebrities, professional athletes, experts, health and wellness, sports, history, business, narrative nonfiction, memoir, celebrity, and popular culture.

How to submit

Use the email form on the official Glass Literary Management submissions page to query Alex Glass. GLM prefers concise, well-written queries that describe the book, show an understanding of the marketplace, and for nonfiction explain why the author is the right person to write the book. If interested, GLM will ask for the complete manuscript or proposal.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Online Form
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, narrative nonfiction, memoir, cultural criticism, essays

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, first twenty five pages

Looking for

Alison MacKeen represents idea-driven books that cast new light on human experience, including wellbeing, work, relationships, inequality, cognition, and communication. She is also looking for literary nonfiction, including memoir, about under-covered people, places, and issues, voice-driven cultural criticism and essays, and offbeat wisdom literature.

How to submit

Send a query letter to submissions@calligraphlit.com with a brief synopsis, short bio, and 25 pages of sample material in the body of the email. Include the agent name, project title, and genre in the subject line. Do not query the agent directly, all submissions must go to the submissions address. No attachments, postal queries, or phone queries.

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

Adult fiction, book club fiction, women's fiction, romance, romantic comedy, thriller, suspense, memoir, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, women's issues

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

Looking for

Allison Hunter is acquiring literary and commercial adult fiction, especially upmarket book club and women's fiction, romance and rom-coms, thrillers, and domestic suspense. She likes great storytelling, unforgettable characters, female friendship stories, campus novels, love stories, family epics, class and cultural identity, smart beach reads by underrepresented authors, select memoir, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, women's issues, and books speaking to the current cultural climate.

How to submit

Submit through Allison Hunter'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

Narrative nonfiction, memoir, fiction, nonfiction

Looking for

Amaryah Orenstein is particularly drawn to narrative nonfiction and memoir, but enjoys any book that connects the reader to its characters and evokes thought and feeling.

How to submit

GO Literary is open to queries via QueryManager only. Submit through the official QueryManager link on the submissions page. GO Literary does not accept submissions by snail mail or social media.

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, nonfiction, memoir, essays, narrative nonfiction

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

Looking for

Ayla Zuraw-Friedland is interested in literary fiction and nonfiction that inspect big questions about queer identity, class, community, and art and technology through a personal lens. She does not represent Young Adult, Middle Grade, or Picture Books.

How to submit

Send Ayla Zuraw-Friedland a query at azf@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 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, nonfiction, memoir, biography, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, middle grade, children's, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, credentials

Looking for

Writers House represents adult and juvenile fiction and nonfiction, including literary and commercial fiction, science fiction/fantasy, memoir, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, juvenile books, picture books and illustrators.

How to submit

Email an individual Writers House agent with a query letter, credentials, an explanation of what makes the book unique, a synopsis, and ten pages in the body of the email. Check individual Publishers Marketplace profiles for agent-specific requirements.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, suspense, historical fiction, biography, memoir, narrative history, pop culture, sports, travel, health, medicine, science, multicultural

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, author bio

Looking for

BJ Robbins represents quality fiction, both literary and commercial, and general nonfiction, with particular interest in memoir, biography, narrative history, pop culture, sports, travel and adventure, medicine and health. The agency is especially looking for literary/commercial crossovers with book-club potential, smart speculative fiction, and multicultural stories.

How to submit

Email BJ Robbins with a succinct description of the work, relevant bio information, and the first ten pages in the body of the email. Do not send attachments unless requested.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, narrative nonfiction, current affairs, memoir, food, culture, american west, literary fiction, thriller

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

Bonnie represents writers of fiction and narrative nonfiction. She is looking for narrative nonfiction covering the natural world, current events, memoir, food and culture, and stories focused on the American West; in fiction her taste runs to literary, voice-driven and genre-bending fiction and smart thrillers.

How to submit

Submit through Bonnie Nadell's official online query form. Do not query two Hill Nadell agents simultaneously. Hard-copy queries are also accepted with a query letter, first 10 pages, and SASE.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Online Form
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

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

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

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

Fiction, nonfiction, literary fiction, mainstream fiction, children's, young adult, middle grade, picture books, memoir, wellness, self-help, lifestyle

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Cindy creates publishing opportunities for clients across a wide array of fiction and nonfiction. CAA client/title pages show representation across adult nonfiction, fiction, young adult, middle grade, and picture books.

How to submit

Submit through CAA Books Submittable from Cindy Uh's official CAA profile. The CAA profile is marked Accepting Submissions and links directly to the Books Submission form.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Submittable
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, nonfiction, memoir, biography, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, middle grade, children's, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, credentials

Looking for

Writers House represents adult and juvenile fiction and nonfiction, including literary and commercial fiction, science fiction/fantasy, memoir, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, juvenile books, picture books and illustrators.

How to submit

Email an individual Writers House agent with a query letter, credentials, an explanation of what makes the book unique, a synopsis, and ten pages in the body of the email. Check individual Publishers Marketplace profiles for agent-specific requirements.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Practical nonfiction, business, health, wellness, mind body spirit, psychology, parenting, technology, narrative nonfiction, memoir, biography, history, pop culture, current affairs, women's interest, social trends, sports, fitness, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, suspense, thriller

Wants: Query letter, author bio

Looking for

Dana is interested in practical nonfiction by authors with smart, unique perspectives and established platforms, compelling narrative nonfiction, memoir, biography, history, pop culture, current affairs, women's interest, social trends, sports and fitness, plus select literary fiction, upmarket fiction, and suspense/thriller.

How to submit

Email dananewmanliterary@gmail.com with QUERY and the title in the subject line. Send a one-page query letter in the body of the email with category, title, word count, project overview, credentials, publishing history, contact details, and disclosure of simultaneous submissions. Do not send attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, nonfiction, memoir, biography, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, middle grade, children's, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, credentials

Looking for

Writers House represents adult and juvenile fiction and nonfiction, including literary and commercial fiction, science fiction/fantasy, memoir, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, juvenile books, picture books and illustrators.

How to submit

Email an individual Writers House agent with a query letter, credentials, an explanation of what makes the book unique, a synopsis, and ten pages in the body of the email. Check individual Publishers Marketplace profiles for agent-specific requirements.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Narrative nonfiction, history, biography, politics, current affairs, foreign affairs, memoir, food, health, adventure, environment, travel, historical fiction

Wants: Query letter, first three pages

Looking for

Deborah is interested in narrative nonfiction in history, biography, politics, current and foreign affairs, memoir, food, health, adventure, the environment and travel, especially academic writers ready to move to more popular writing. For fiction, she is interested in great storytelling, especially in a historical context.

How to submit

Email queries only, with no attachments. For fiction, paste the first three pages into the email. For nonfiction, include evidence of a full-length book idea, author credentials, and market.

Last checked 9 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

Literary fiction, young adult, middle grade, narrative nonfiction, practical nonfiction, biography, history, memoir, pop culture, upmarket women's fiction, food writing, cookbooks

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

Elizabeth focuses on literary fiction, young adult fiction, narrative nonfiction, issue-based nonfiction, history, biography, food writing, cookbooks, memoir, 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 9 Jul 2026Via Email

More US Genres

US Age-Led Searches

Memoir Agents in Other Countries

Find the right literary agent

Filter the full directory by genre, country, submission method, and open status, then save agents and track your submissions.

Browse all agents