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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.

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Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, cultural studies, sociology, business, history, politics, current affairs, sports, memoir, latino voices, latin american authors

Looking for

Lukas Ortiz is a literary agent and the foreign rights director at Spitzer Agency. In fiction, he is interested in a distinct narrative voice, memorable characters, eccentric novels with an edge, and original stories. In nonfiction, he is interested in cultural studies, sociology, business, history, politics, current affairs, sports, and memoir, especially driven narratives and sharp storytelling with themes that transcend their primary audience. He is actively seeking to work with more Latino and Latin American authors for the U.S. market.

How to submit

The official Spitzer Agency about page does not publish an open Lukas Ortiz query route. The page says the agency client list is full at this time and gives a query route only in another agent's profile block, so Lukas Ortiz is treated as closed or no public route for this remediation.

Represents

Adult fiction, young adult fiction, adult nonfiction, young adult nonfiction, history, cultural anthropology, arts, memoir, science fiction, fantasy, noir thriller, horror, mystery

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, table of contents, sample chapter, sample bibliography, first twenty five pages

Looking for

Jael Morrill represents adult and young adult fiction and nonfiction. In nonfiction she wants rarely told history, cultural anthropology, arts, and memoir from marginalized voices, especially disability, queer experiences, and people hurt by fundamentalist movements. In fiction she wants immersive science fiction and fantasy, fresh takes on noir thrillers, horror with hope, campy mysteries, speculative elements, queer characters, whimsical worldbuilding, and witty but grounded dialogue.

How to submit

Jael Morrill is currently closed to queries while catching up on her inbox. When open, nonfiction submissions should include a query, 1-2 page synopsis, table of contents, sample chapter, and for history a sample bibliography. Fiction submissions should include a query, 1-2 page synopsis, and the first 25 pages. JDLA asks writers to query one agent at a time and does not accept snail mail queries.

Last checked 8 Jul 2026Via Postal
Represents

Book club fiction, literary fiction, nonfiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, prescriptive nonfiction

Looking for

Jamie Chambliss is drawn to literary and upmarket or book club fiction, and to narrative nonfiction, especially work dealing with food, pop culture, the quirks of human nature, stories within science and sports, and forgotten corners of history.

How to submit

Jamie Chambliss is currently closed to queries according to her official Folio profile.

Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, biography

Looking for

Joy Harris works primarily with literary fiction, strongly written commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction across a broad range of topics, memoir, and biography. She is drawn to a clear, original voice, an engaging point of view, and strong characters.

How to submit

The Joy Harris Literary Agency is not accepting unsolicited submissions at this time according to its official contact page.

Represents

Adult nonfiction, memoir, journalism, reportage, hidden histories, prescriptive nonfiction, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, speculative fiction, historical fiction, graphic novels

Looking for

Kayla Lightner is primarily looking for adult nonfiction that can masterfully straddle the line between storytelling and teaching readers something new about the world or themselves. Her interests include memoir, journalism and reportage, hidden histories, and prescriptive nonfiction. More selectively, she looks for smart, propulsive literary and upmarket fiction with a speculative or historical lens and graphic novels for all ages.

How to submit

Kayla Lightner is currently closed to queries according to the official Ayesha Pande Literary team and queries pages. Queries submitted by any method, including the contact page, when an agent is closed will not be considered.

Last checked 8 Jul 2026Via Form
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, new adult, adult fiction, illustrators, contemporary fiction, magical realism, fantasy, horror, romance, romantic comedy, romantasy, women's fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, spirituality, self-help, health and fitness, parenting, business, celebrity, lifestyle, pets, psychology, relationships and dating, true crime, bipoc voices, lgbtq and voices

Looking for

Lynnette Novak is an agent at The Seymour Agency. When she reopens, she is especially excited about BIPOC, diverse, and LGBTQ+ projects; illustrators for board books, picture books, illustrated MG, and illustrated covers; fiction and nonfiction picture books; MG contemporary, magical realism, contemporary or grounded fantasy, and horror; YA romcom, romantasy, fantasy, magical realism, and horror; NA contemporary romance, romcom, and romantasy; adult horror, dark romance, contemporary romance, romcom, romantasy, and women's fiction; and adult nonfiction including memoir, narrative, spirituality/New Age, self-help, health/fitness, parenting/family, motivational/inspirational, business, celebrity, lifestyle, pets, psychology, relationships/dating, and true crime by experts with platforms.

How to submit

Lynnette Novak is currently closed to all queries according to the official Seymour Agency about page. The page says to watch her MSWL page for updates when she reopens, but no current open official query route is listed.

Represents

Adult fiction, upmarket fiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction, romance, psychological thriller, cozy mystery, memoir, young adult, middle grade, humor

Looking for

Saba Sulaiman is Senior Agent at Talcott Notch. She is currently closed, but when open she looks for adult upmarket literary and commercial fiction, romance except paranormal, character-driven psychological thrillers, cozy mysteries, and memoir; young adult in all subgenres except paranormal, fantasy, and science fiction, especially contemporary realistic YA with heart, humor, and personality; middle grade that is smart, accessible, funny, sweet, or written with flair; and humor nonfiction. She looks for strong voices, unconventional narratives, complex relationships, fresh perspectives, multicultural perspectives, and themes of immigration, displacement, and cultural adjustment.

How to submit

Saba Sulaiman is currently closed to queries according to her official Talcott Notch profile.

Represents

Literary fiction, memoir, history, sociology, philosophy, cultural studies, journalism, current affairs, international affairs, narrative nonfiction, progressive nonfiction, graphic fiction, graphic nonfiction, environment, legal affairs, justice system, race, science history, technology history, food culture, food history, speculative fiction

Looking for

Sam Stoloff is President and Principal at Frances Goldin Literary Agency. He is interested in books that advance public conversation on crucial issues and groundbreaking work, including literary fiction, memoir, history, accessible sociology and philosophy, cultural studies, serious journalism on contemporary and international affairs, and narrative and topical nonfiction with a progressive orientation. His interests include literary graphic fiction and nonfiction, environmental sustainability, legal affairs and the justice system, books that dissect the right wing and American imperialism, the history of race in America, the history of science and technology, food culture and history, and fiction ranging from psychologically realistic to first-rate speculative literature.

How to submit

Sam Stoloff is not accepting unsolicited queries at this time according to his official Goldin profile and the official Frances Goldin submissions page.

Represents

Adult nonfiction, food writing, drink writing, health, medicine, wellness, narrative nonfiction, personal finance, business, memoir, essays, cultural criticism, pop culture, art, design, music, collaborative writing, cookbooks, leadership

Looking for

Sarah Smith is President and Literary Agent at the David Black Literary Agency. She represents a wide list of critically acclaimed and commercially successful authors, including bestselling and award-winning nonfiction. She is interested in books that teach readers something new or offer a novel perspective, particularly food and drink, health, medicine, wellness, narrative nonfiction, personal finance, business, memoir, essays, and cultural criticism. She loves working with experts and is always interested in pop culture, art, design, music, the cultural zeitgeist, and collaborative writers who partner with authors on cookbooks, memoir, leadership books, and more.

How to submit

Sarah Smith is not accepting unsolicited queries at this time according to her official David Black profile and the official David Black submissions page, which lists only other agents as currently accepting new queries.

Represents

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, contemporary middle grade, historical middle grade, literary middle grade, mystery middle grade, contemporary young adult, historical young adult, literary young adult, young adult mystery, juvenile nonfiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, parenting, popular science

Looking for

Shari Maurer is an agent at The Stringer Literary Agency. The official Stringer site lists her fiction interests as picture books; middle grade contemporary, historical, literary, and mystery; and young adult contemporary, historical, literary, and mystery. In nonfiction, it lists juvenile YA and middle grade nonfiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, parenting, and popular science.

How to submit

Shari Maurer is currently closed to queries according to the QueryManager or QueryTracker form associated with Stringer Literary. The official Stringer site says the agency works with Query Manager only, deletes queries sent otherwise unread, and closes submissions from time to time to catch up.

Last checked 8 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Adult fiction, adult nonfiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction, food writing, cookbooks, memoir

Looking for

Sharon Bowers is a literary agent at Folio Literary Management. She began her career as an editor at HarperCollins and has been an agent for over two decades. She represents award-winning novelists and a diverse list of nonfiction, including chefs and food writers.

How to submit

Sharon Bowers is currently closed to submissions according to her official Folio profile.

Represents

Nonfiction, health, wellness, spirituality, lifestyle, food writing, drink writing, sustainability, running, fitness, memoir, narrative nonfiction, women's fiction, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, romance, crime fiction, mystery, thriller

Looking for

Stephany Evans is an affiliate agent at Ayesha Pande Literary. Her official APL profile says she has represented nonfiction writers in health and wellness, spirituality, lifestyle, food and drink, sustainability, running and fitness, memoir, and narrative nonfiction for more than 25 years. She also represents women's fiction from literary to upmarket commercial, romance, crime fiction including mysteries and thrillers, and the occasional literary or commercial novel not aimed at a female market.

How to submit

Stephany Evans is permanently closed to unsolicited queries according to her official APL profile and is listed as closed on APL's official queries page. Queries submitted by any method while she is closed will not be considered.

Last checked 8 Jul 2026Via Form
Represents

Commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, pop culture, music, inspirational, thriller, literary fiction, foreign rights

Looking for

Susan Raihofer is Literary Agent and Foreign Rights Director at the David Black Literary Agency. She focuses on commercial fiction and nonfiction, including memoir, pop culture, music, inspirational work, thrillers, and a selective amount of literary fiction. Her official profile says her pop sensibility and literary heart come together around projects with soul and an edge.

How to submit

Susan Raihofer is currently not accepting unsolicited queries according to her official David Black profile. The official David Black submissions page lists only other agents as currently accepting new queries.

Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, memoir, personal growth, psychology, lifestyle, humor, pop culture

Looking for

Terra Chalberg is an agent at Chalberg & Sussman. The official team page says that throughout her career as an agent she has represented a range of fiction and nonfiction writers. The agency represents fiction and nonfiction in areas including literary and commercial fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, personal growth, psychology, lifestyle, humor, and pop culture.

How to submit

Terra Chalberg is closed to queries and not accepting submissions according to the official Chalberg and Sussman team page.

Represents

Fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy, science fiction, poc fiction, intersectional fiction, young adult, middle grade, women's fiction, suspense, thriller, romance, lgbtq and fiction, children's fiction, mystery, horror, literary fiction, memoir

Looking for

Trodayne Northern is Co-President and Lead Agent at Prentis Literary. The official about page says his passion is good storytelling, that science fiction and fantasy are his first love, and that his genre interests are wide-ranging. The agency focuses on high-quality fiction, speculative and other, with rare memoir, and centers representation of traditionally marginalized groups. The official genres page lists agency interest areas including fantasy/science fiction, POC and intersectional fiction, young adult and middle reader, women's fiction, suspense/thriller, romance, LGBTQ+ fiction, children's fiction, mystery, horror, literary fiction, and limited memoir.

How to submit

Prentis Literary's official submissions page says submissions are closed and that submissions will be discarded. Do not submit unsolicited material while closed.

Last checked 8 Jul 2026Via Form
Represents

Adult fiction, adult nonfiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, women's fiction, memoir, history, biography, psychology, popular culture, current affairs, science, parenting, cookbooks

Looking for

Robin Straus Agency represents high quality adult fiction and nonfiction, including literary and commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, women's fiction, memoir, history, biography, psychology, popular culture, current affairs, science, parenting, and cookbooks.

How to submit

Robin Straus Agency is not accepting new unsolicited submissions at this time according to the official submissions page.

Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 6 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, narrative nonfiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, romance, retellings, beach reads, family drama, amish romance, clean fiction, historical fiction, psychological suspense, domestic suspense, history, biography, science, sports, memoir

Looking for

Lindsay Guzzardo is founder of Keystone Literary Agency and a literary agent for adult fiction and nonfiction. She is drawn to high-concept, commercial premises with clear, marketable hooks and strong voices. Her fiction tastes include classic retellings, beach reads, family dynamics, mother-daughter and sister relationships, Amish romance and fiction, wholesome clean fiction and romance, cozy small-town romance and fiction, rich historical fiction, fiction featuring historical figures, European-set fiction, dark psychological and domestic suspense, and past/present family dramas. She welcomes nonfiction proposals from journalists and experts in history, biography, science, sports, narrative nonfiction, and memoir with a strong platform.

How to submit

Submit through Lindsay Guzzardo's official QueryManager form during the first week of the month. The linked QueryManager page was checked on 2026-05-25 and says she is not accepting queries at this time because she opens during the first week of the month.

Last checked 6 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Fiction, speculative fiction, memoir, children's nonfiction, diverse voices

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first twenty pages

Looking for

Leslie Varney is Co-President and Agent at Prentis Literary, a second-generation literary agency focused on high-quality fiction, speculative and otherwise, with rare forays into memoir. The agency centers traditionally marginalized groups who face barriers in publishing and remains open and receptive to all authors.

How to submit

Prentis Literary submissions are currently closed. The official submissions page says submissions sent through the contact form will be discarded.

Last checked 5 Jul 2026Via Form
Represents

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

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.

Represents

Nonfiction, self-help, psychology, health, narrative nonfiction, memoir, parenting, business

Looking for

Jan Baumer represents solely nonfiction. She is particularly interested in measurable experts in their field, including impressively credentialed authors or authors with a built-in following, who want to change minds, change the world, or change how people think, interact, and live day to day. Her categories include smart self-help, psychology, expert and research-driven health, narrative nonfiction, memoir, parenting, and business, and she is open to well executed nonfiction proposals outside those lanes.

How to submit

Jan Baumer is currently closed to submissions according to her official Folio profile.

Represents

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

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

Last checked 4 Jul 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 3 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Book club fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, thriller, memoir, cookbooks, narrative nonfiction, prescriptive nonfiction, mystery, romance

Looking for

Erin Niumata represents book club fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, thrillers, memoir, cookbooks, narrative nonfiction, prescriptive nonfiction, mystery, and romance.

How to submit

Erin Niumata's official profile links to QueryManager, but her official linked QueryManager page currently says she is not accepting queries and will open again before the end of the year.

Last checked 27 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Narrative nonfiction, sports, business, history, politics, fitness, memoir, cookbooks

Looking for

David Black specializes in a wide array of narrative nonfiction, including sports, business, history, politics, fitness, memoir, and personally compelling subject areas. His official profile says he is not currently accepting unsolicited queries.

How to submit

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

Last checked 25 Jun 2026
Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 25 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, women's fiction, romance, thriller, horror, memoir, how-to, advice, relationships, health, wellness, politics, current events, history

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

Latoya has represented fiction and nonfiction, with past interests including high-concept women's fiction, romance, thrillers, horror, memoir, how-to/advice, relationships, health and wellness, politics, current events, and history.

How to submit

No current unsolicited-query route found on the official LCS site. Treat as closed unless a current official submissions page appears.

Last checked 19 Jun 2026
Represents

Biography, history, memoir, popular culture, music writing, journalism, politics, health, parenting, practical nonfiction, contemporary affairs, social issues, general reference

Looking for

Nonfiction across popular culture, biography, history, politics, journalism, memoir, parenting, health, practical nonfiction, contemporary affairs, social issues, and general reference. Accepts submissions through referral only.

How to submit

Sarah Lazin accepts submissions through referral only. Prospective clients should seek an introduction from an existing client, publishing professional, or conference contact.

Last checked 15 Jun 2026Via Other
Represents

Commercial fiction, upmarket fiction, dark romance, romantasy, romance, speculative fiction, mystery, thriller, gothic, horror, historical fiction, rom com, magical realism, current events, true crime, science, history, narrative non-fiction, sports, politics, health, nutrition, pop culture, humor, music, memoir

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

Looking for

Jill seeks fiction and non-fiction by unrepresented voices, BIPOC and Latinx writers, disabled persons, and LGBTQ+ people. She wants commercial and upmarket fiction emphasizing dark romance, romantasy, speculative fiction, mysteries, thrillers, Gothic, horror, and historical fiction, plus food-centric novels and psychological suspense in the vein of Freida McFadden. For non-fiction, she seeks authors with big, timely, smart messages and deep dives into subcultures, social commentary, and historical projects.

How to submit

Submit via QueryManager at QueryManager.com or JillMarr. Include query letter, 1-page synopsis, brief bio with publishing history, and first 10-15 pages for fiction. For non-fiction, include query letter and full book proposal.

Last checked 14 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
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 12 Jun 2026
Represents

Fiction, memoir, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages, author bio

Looking for

Novelists who have several compulsively readable yarns in their head and are committed to perfecting their craft as storytellers. She will advocate for memoirs that uncover the diversity of human experience, and take on non-fiction writers who are experts on a variety of topics such as personal development, health and sexuality, racial identity, Christianity and spirituality, diet and fitness, African American history, and pop culture.

How to submit

Please send all email submissions to submissions@wsherman.com. We ask that you include your last name, title, and the name of the agent you are submitting to in the subject line.

Last checked 10 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Mystery, thriller, sf, fantasy, romance, ya, memoir, humor, pop culture, health and wellness, cooking, self-help, pop psych, new age, inspirational, technology, science, writing

Looking for

Mystery/thriller, SF/fantasy, romance, YA, memoir, humor, pop culture, health & wellness, cooking, self-help, pop psych, New Age, inspirational, technology, science, and writing

How to submit

Check agent's submission page

Represents

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

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

She is primarily interested in fiction for adults, young adults and middle grade readers in contemporary fiction, literary fiction, historical fiction set in the 20th Century, LGBTQ issues, fantasy, magical realism, and science fiction. In non-fiction, she represents books by authors with demonstrable platforms in pop-culture, memoir, humor, creativity, and craft. She is also interested in graphic novels and memoirs for all ages.

How to submit

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

Last checked 4 Jun 2026Via QueryManager

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