Literary agents for contemporary fiction

Phrasemill lists literary agents who want contemporary fiction, based on what they say on their public websites. “contemporary fiction” is a genre tag; its identifier is contemporary-fiction. 57 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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Agents (1–25 of 57)

Rebecca Ritchie
A.M. Heath & Co. · GB
I represent authors of fiction and non-fiction. On the fiction side, my list spans the commercial spectrum: from contemporary fiction – be that funny, romantic, moving or high concept – to reading group, historical ficti…
Euan Thorneycroft
A.M. Heath & Co. · GB
Says: “sharp, contemporary narratives”
I am looking for a book that I'll be thinking about long after I finish the last page. This could be a twisty suspense with an exciting and original hook (I love a high concept hook!) or an epic or intimate love story wi…
Julie Gourinchas
Bell Lomax Moreton · GB
Says: “searing contemporary fiction”
Julie Gourinchas (she/they) is a French-American literary agent championing an award-winning, selective list focused on upmarket adult fiction with commercial drive and appeal, across a wide variety of genres. In fictio…
Clare Wallace
Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency · London
Clare is building both the Darley Anderson Children’s Agency and the Darley Anderson Illustration Agency lists and also represents a boutique list of commercial adult fiction in both the UK and US. Clare’s very busy wit…
Maria Brannan
Greyhound Literary · GB
Says: “voice-led, relationship focused contemporary fiction”
She has wide-ranging tastes in fiction and is interested in writing for adult and new adult/crossover readers. She loves character-driven and high concept novels that combine intelligent writing with a commercial hook an…
Anna Boyce
Lutyens & Rubinstein · GB
In fiction, the most important things for me are a strong sense of place, convincing characters and confident, immersive writing. I am looking for contemporary fiction that explores the complexities of modern relationsh…
Rachel Yeoh
Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency · GB
Rachel is a Literary Agent working with the agency’s bestselling brand authors and building a list in literary, upmarket and book club fiction, as well as select narrative non-fiction. As a literary agent, she represent…
Olivia Maidment
Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency · GB
Liv is a Director & Literary Agent representing literary, upmarket and book club fiction. Liv is a Director & Literary Agent specialising in literary, upmarket and book club fiction. She is always excited to discover bo…
Maria Whelan
Mushens Entertainment · London
Whether fiction or nonfiction, Maria is seeking novels that skew literary or upmarket, with an edge. Maria is looking for: literary and upmarket fiction, speculative fiction, horror, magical realism and reimaginings of…
Hattie Grunewald
The Blair Partnership · GB
I represent commercial and upmarket fiction, including book club fiction, crime and thriller, historical and contemporary fiction, and some non-fiction in the areas of lifestyle and personal development. I am currently…
Emily Talbot
United Agents · London
I am a literary agent representing children’s illustrators and authors of picture books, middle grade, YA and non-fiction. In fiction, I work on everything from young fiction through to young adult. On the younger end (…
Rosie Pierce
Curtis Brown Group · GB
Says: “contemporary stories of love and friendship”
I represent both literary and commercial fiction, and select non-fiction. I’m on the hunt for contemporary stories of love and friendship told with humour, heart and sizzling chemistry (think Rye Lane, Evenings and Week…
Rachel Beck
Liza Dawson Associates · US
Says: “Maybe a beach read at first blush, but with plenty of heart and heft—books that cover the good, the bad and the ugly of life and love, that make you go from laughing to crying in an instant.”
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…
Katelyn Detweiler
Jill Grinberg Literary Management · US
Says: “fresh contemporary with a healthy balance of humor and heart”
she represents a client list that spans all age groups and categories, with an emphasis on fresh perspectives and strong voices Katelyn is looking for voice and quality writing above all else when she falls in love with…
Carleen Geisler
Britt Siess Creative Management · US
She currently represents adult nonfiction and adult fiction across genres, with a focus on contemporary stories.
Ronald Gerber
Lowenstein Associates · US
Ronald is focused on cinematic stories with strong hooks and relatable characters, and he is always looking for projects from queer, BIPOC, and other underrepresented authors. He is actively looking for thriller/mystery…
Stefanie Molina-Santos
Looking Glass Literary & Media · US
She reps kidlit through adult fiction and nonfiction and prioritizes underrepresented authors, especially BIPOC authors, across the board. Her favorite submissions usually have something to say about the world we live i…
Bridget Smith
JABberwocky Literary Agency · US
Says: “contemporary fiction with a speculative element and/or a strong plot”
Young adult fiction: I am open to all genres of YA. I have a soft spot for layered, emotional contemporary, preferably with more than an ounce of humor; sophisticated and unusual SFF; and vivid, immersive historical fict…
Orli Vogt-Vincent
David Higham Associates · GB
Says: “zeitgeisty, contemporary fiction”
I am building an exciting literary fiction and non-fiction list, and I am also lucky enough to work across DHA managing director Lizzy Kremer’s list of internationally bestselling writers. In terms of fiction, I am look…
Jennifer Wills
The Seymour Agency · US
Jennifer is particularly interested in a wide range of picture books and cookbooks, with a soft spot for author/illustrators of sweet and wacky picture books, and cookbooks with mouth-watering recipes of the health-consc…
Kate McKean
Howard Morhaim Literary Agency · US
She is primarily interested in fiction for adults, young adults and middle grade readers in the areas of contemporary fiction, literary fiction, historical fiction set in the 20th Century, LGBTQ issues, fantasy, and scie…
Kate Rogers
KO Media Management
Says: “contemporary realistic fiction”
Kate loves illustrated stories with graphic elements or multimodal components. All ages (Children’s, MG, YA, and Adult) welcome, as long as there is a visual component! Genres include humor, horror/thriller (bonus if it’…
Nina Richner
Howard Morhaim Literary Agency · US
Nina Richner is an agent representing adult fiction and narrative nonfiction. Nina is looking for literary fiction, horror/thriller, contemporary fiction, queer fiction, and magical realism. They are drawn to emotionall…
Rebecca Podos
Neighborhood Literary Agency · US
Rebecca is looking for Young adult and Adult genre fiction, with select non-fiction projects considered. Of particular interest in fiction right now: Character-driven fantasy rooted in folklore and culture; horror as a…
Samantha Wekstein
Thompson Literary Agency · US
Says: “realistic stories with multi-dimensional female characters”
She joined TLA in 2019 where she’s excited to grow her list. In YA, she loves creative and epic fantasies, but she is also drawn to realistic stories with multi-dimensional female characters. She is always interested i…

Literary agents for contemporary fiction

Agents (1–25 of 57)

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