Literary agents who want books set in contemporary
Phrasemill lists literary agents who want contemporary, based on what they say on their public websites. “contemporary” is a setting tag; its identifier is contemporary. 72 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.
Or paste your synopsis into ChatGPT or Claude with this prompt; it can read your whole manuscript.
Agents (1–25 of 72)
Says: “novels that are set in the here and now”
I represent writers of fiction, non-fiction and poetry, among them a number of bestselling and prize-winning authors. Across all forms, I want to be surprised and transported but moved principally by the quality of the…
Now a Primary Agent in the UK department, Rory is actively building his list and represents authors of literary fiction and non-fiction. In fiction, he is looking for voice-driven and story-led literary writing powered…
Lauren represents authors and illustrators across Children's and Young Adult Fiction, New Adult/Crossover and Commercial Women's Fiction, and Adult Non-Fiction. She does not represent Science Fiction, Crime Fiction or Pi…
Says: “directly set in our world”
My primary focus is books for children and young adults. I also represent select fiction for adults, generally but not exclusively speculative. I have a thriving list, but I always have room for an irresistible new pro…
My list is typified by big-concept, commercial series fiction. If you can describe your children’s fiction in one line, or in an ‘X meets Y’ elevator pitch, I want to read it. I like books that have obvious potential fo…
Says: “something that feels current and contemporary, with a real conversation at its core”
I represent both adult and children’s fiction (as well as a small amount of non-fiction) and, more than anything, I want to be entertained by a great story while caring deeply about your characters. In general I love bo…
I read widely and aim to reflect that in the authors I represent. In fiction, I’m looking for complex, larger-than-life characters, characters I can root for and who can give me insights into worlds and situations unfami…
Hayley is a Director and Literary Agent representing writers of commercial and bookclub fiction across all genres. I’m particularly drawn to a strong hook and one line pitch – a setting, structure, or a ‘what if’ that c…
What Anne is looking for: I am keen to find well-written, engrossing fiction for which I feel I can find a market. I want a plot that will keep me engaged, characters I care about and a world that is intriguing or attrac…
I represent a wide range of best-selling and award-winning authors across fiction and non-fiction. I love working with authors and their publishing teams to build them into brand names and award winning and bestselling a…
I am open to submissions. I don't take on a huge number of new clients but I am always keen to hear from writers with a strong story to tell. The below is quite a convoluted outline of what I'm looking for but, in short:…
Maddy is a Literary Agent specialising in SFF and romance Maddy joined Madeleine Milburn Agency in 2022 to build a list specialising in SFF and romance. She represents adult and YA fantasy, science fiction, horror and…
Catherine represents children's (middle grade and YA) and adult fiction. In children's fiction, whether literary, commercial or genre, she is looking for singular and underrepresented voices, powerful ideas, imaginative…
Sonny represents commercial fiction and non-fiction. Fiercely protective over her stable of high-profile talent, she is actively looking to grow her list, and is always looking to work with artists who have a vision for…
I am actively building a list that spans middle grade, YA and crossover fiction across all genres and selective adult fiction in the SFF space. My taste skews more commercial than literary, and I love fiction with a dis…
Says: “a vividly realised present”
Says: “contemporary and realistic settings”
I represent literary, book club and general fiction, as well as some narrative non-fiction and am actively developing a carefully curated client list of career authors. I am on the lookout for general fiction, immersive…
Rowan’s taste ranges from commercial well-written genre fiction – particularly rom coms, crime and thrillers – to accessible, page-turning literary and reading group novels, as well as narrative non-fiction (often, but n…
Lydia represents everything from picture books to the top end of crossover YA, and she particularly enjoyed working with author/illustrator talent, including graphic novelists. No matter the story, Lydia is drawn to voi…
Speculative fiction – the real world, with a magical twist – in all its forms. From Natasha Pulley to Bobby Palmer to Kaliane Bradley to Cecilia Ahern to Caro Claire Burke. She wants to wonder: can this be explained by s…
Donald is interested in non-fiction, he is keen to see writing on history, popular science, social issues, nature, money and life management, music, sport, film and technology. He is also looking for well-written memoir…
More literary agent lists
- Literary Fiction (456)
- Narrative Nonfiction (431)
- Memoir (364)
- Young Adult (357)
- Romance (276)
- Thriller (265)
- Fantasy (241)
- Historical Fiction (232)
- Middle-grade Books (206)
- Horror (193)
- Mystery (186)
- Children's Books (169)
- Science Fiction (163)
- Women's Fiction (147)
- Crime Fiction (115)
- Humor (105)
- Romantasy (91)
- Magical Realism (90)
- Debut Authors (72)
- True Crime (72)
- Contemporary Romance (66)
- Cozy Fantasy (32)
- Cozy Mystery (28)
- Dark Academia (27)
- Poetry (26)
- Dark Romance (19)
- Paranormal Romance (17)
- African American Fiction (6)