Literary agents who want character-driven writing — page 4

Phrasemill lists literary agents who want character-driven, based on what they say on their public websites. “character-driven” is a tone tag; its identifier is character-driven. 256 agents currently want it. Agents whose websites say they are closed to submissions are omitted. The quoted evidence for each tag is on the agent's profile. How it works.

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Or paste your synopsis into ChatGPT or Claude with this prompt; it can read your whole manuscript.

Agents (76–100 of 256)

  • Curtis Brown Group · GB

    Says: “stories with a strong emotional heart”

    I love reading SFF that blurs the line between the real and the imagined - stories with a strong emotional heart that pulls one lever to cause havoc within an otherwise familiar world. I'm especially drawn to writing th…

  • Kimberley Cameron & Associates · US

    Says: “complex and sympathetic characters”

    In adult fiction, she represents literary, upmarket/book club, and women’s fiction, historical fiction, mystery, suspense, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, and crossover speculative fiction. With children’s fiction,…

  • DeFiore & Company · US

    Says: “stories that are character-driven”

    Miriam specializes in adult literary and book club fiction, narrative nonfiction, and books for children. She is particularly interested in finding emerging and underrepresented voices, and she loves reading and represe…

  • Liza Dawson Associates · US

    Says: “Gripping thrillers/psychological or domestic suspense—Character-driven, mentally intense reads.”

    I believe that the right book can change or heal a life, and I want to find those. But I’m also interested in lighter fiction that helps me escape or simply makes me laugh after a tough day. Or nonfiction that teaches me…

  • FinePrint Literary Management · US

    Says: “outstanding writing and convincing characters”

    Lauren is looking for commercial and upmarket women’s fiction, romance (rom-coms, paranormal, and romantasy), and YA/MG novels in most genres. She is open to the following in both adult and YA: science fiction, fantasy,…

  • Chase Literary Agency · US

    Says: “character and plot”

    I love working with authors to develop their stories at whatever stage in their career. I take a deliberate, editorial-minded, and collaborative approach to projects across genres. I'd rather my authors start a trend tha…

  • Ever After Literary Agency · US

    Says: “grounded and character-driven”

    Originally from the beaches of Florida, Sam is drawn to stories where setting and place act as their own character. In the YA space, she’s particularly interested in novels centered around relationships—familial, romant…

  • Corvisiero Literary Agency · US

    Says: “creative stories with well developed plots and rich characters with unique voices”

    Marisa will judge each story not just on the writing, but also with an eye toward finding creative stories with well developed plots and rich characters with unique voices. She is always hoping for stories with standout…

  • Triada US Literary Agency · US

    Vice President & Executive Literary Agent Laura Crockett is interested in upmarket, character-driven adult and YA fiction with emotional depth, compelling stakes, and diversity. In both markets she is seeking fantasy––e…

  • Curtis Brown, Ltd. · US

    She represents literary and upmarket fiction Kerry also represents select nonfiction and YA. She is particularly drawn to character-driven work, unconventional plot structures, unreliable narrators, complicated family…

  • Au Literary Management · US

    Says: “strong emotional development for the main characters”

    Claire represents adult romance, graphic novels, young adult, nonfiction, memoir, and select picture books. They prefer to work with books that are funny, lighthearted, romantic, and hopeful, with a fast pace, high stake…

  • Dunham Literary · US

    She represents literary fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. First and foremost, voice. A strong narrative. Memorable characters. Unusual premises. Underrepresented people, places, and perspectives, includ…

  • Mansion Street Literary Management · US

    Says: “deeply emotive characters”

    Her focus is on romance and fantasy, as well as children’s fiction. She particularly loves fantastical worldbuilding, deeply emotive characters, and strong voices.

  • Root Literary · US

    Says: “characters who feel like they've been plucked from real life”

    “I love stories that make me lean in—a captivating voice, characters who feel like they’ve been plucked from real life, and writing that is confident and commanding. That’s the kind of book that makes me feel taken care…

  • KT Literary · US

    Says: “Adria has eclectic taste but particularly enjoys projects that are tinged with magic, have so much heart you can practically hear their heartbeat, and have a compelling, commercial hook.”

  • Handspun Literary · US

    She loves meticulous worldbuilding and complicated characters and is currently looking for well executed speculative fiction in most categories. She is drawn to Middle Grade and Young Adult that asks complicated questio…

  • Jackson Literary Agency · US

    Says: “stories with strong character arcs”

    I represent books that evoke heartfelt emotions and fervent conversations among its readers. My mission is to mentor and develop authors, particularly those from underrepresented communities, and help them build a brand…

  • Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents · US

    Says: “deeply drawn characters”

    Jody represents both literary and upmarket fiction, as well as narrative nonfiction; across all categories she enjoys books that are beautifully written while also containing a rich storyline, and she’s especially lookin…

  • Kimberley Cameron & Associates · US

    Says: “interesting, well-developed characters”

    As an agent at Kimberley Cameron & Associates she is excited to work with authors who have a talent to catch a reader’s attention while describing complex topics and who share in the desire to broaden the general public’…

  • DeFiore & Company · US

    Says: “fiction with memorable characters”

    I gravitate towards fiction with memorable characters, captivating voices, and original plotting, and I relish a great page-turner as much as a literary masterpiece. I am intrigued by a wide range of nonfiction, from na…

  • Massie McQuilkin & Altman Literary Agents · US

    She is drawn to writing that creates its own sense of movement on the page, and stories that center unforgettable characters and singular experiences that, once captured, speak to something universal. She loves writers w…

  • Booker Albert Literary Agency · US

    Regardless of genre, Rebecca is looking for stories that have good pacing, grounded worlds, and believable characters. She is interested in fantasy of all kinds and anything that has a good hook. She would love to see…

  • Birch Literary · US

    I’m looking for adult fiction that falls under the following genres (no YA or children’s, please): Book club fiction I’m looking for books with emotional depth and human connections, or ones that will open up a new wor…

  • Nelson Literary Agency · US

    Says: “characters I can't stop thinking about”

    I’m looking for stories that surprise and delight, characters I can’t stop thinking about, tropes turned on their ears, and, above all, sharp writing. I’d love to find the charm, wit, and twists of The Wedding People by…

  • Calligraph · US

    Says: “emotionally driven stories”

    Bringing her editorial experience and close working relationships with writers to the field, Eve is developing narrative non-fiction and literary fiction titles that speak to her interest in emotionally driven stories, s…

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