Literary agents who want dark writing
Phrasemill lists literary agents who want dark, based on what they say on their public websites. “dark” is a tone tag; its identifier is dark. 73 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 73)
Says: “the dark and twisty”
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…
Says: “darkness with a touch of whimsy”
My focus is to find authors and books that will become future bestsellers and brands. I specialise in mysteries, suspense, thrillers, crime and book club fiction, but I’m also a huge fan of anything that embodies the nat…
Says: “sharp, sexy, toxic, and set somewhere decadent”
Says: “the darker end of the spectrum”
I am obsessed with crime, thriller, and dark commercial fiction. I’m looking for dark, gripping commercial fiction that completely absorbs me: books where I care about the characters and find myself reading far later th…
Says: “an extra emphasis on the 'dark'”
I represent a diverse range of narrative non-fiction and have always been attracted to memoir (I was the agent for H is for Hawk). Working with books that change the way we see the world or can deftly interweave multiple…
Says: “blackly comic novel”
Says: “books with a dark or mischievous comic register”
Says: “intense and emotional narratives about dark things”
I represent a list of literary and upmarket fiction and non-fiction. This autumn, I’m really looking to read literary and genre crossover: stylish, clever writing with horror, sci-fi, thriller, gothic, mystery, or dysto…
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…
Says: “novels that combine darkness and humour”
Says: “books with a dark or offbeat sense of humour”
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:…
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…
Chloe is a Director & Literary Agent, shortlisted for Agent of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2024 and 2026, who specialises in SFF, Horror, Young Adult and Middle-Grade fiction. Crossover; romantasy; romance; d…
“Whether literary or commercial, I generally prefer darker stories – my favourite books centre characters with tragic fates, dark pasts or buried trauma.” Rachel is actively growing her list across a wide variety of gen…
Says: “books that don't shy away from the dark”
Says: “dark and boundary-pushing books”
Says: “the darker side of the spectrum”
Says: “books that take darkness seriously without surrendering to it”
Says: “a very dark edge”
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)