Literary agents who value lyrical
Phrasemill lists literary agents who want lyrical, based on what they say on their public websites. “lyrical” is a craft tag; its identifier is lyrical. 87 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 87)
I am omnivorous when it comes to reading and my list reflects this, encompassing a wide range of genres and styles. I am open to submissions and always hoping to hear from new writers. In terms of who they might be, my…
Says: “works that package heady emotion with clarity of expression”
Says: “writing that is many-layered and nuanced”
Says: “lyrical, atmospheric writing”
I have a large client list and take on few new authors. However, I have always loved ‘discovery’ and remain attracted to well-crafted prose and propulsive (not hectic) plot, be it in Fiction or Non-Fiction. I am drawn to…
I now run our Foreign Rights department and represent a select list of literary fiction and non-fiction. In fiction I look for stunning sentences, convincing narratives, and that particular on-the-page magic that makes…
Says: “quality of the prose”
Says: “writing that shows a real mastery of language”
Says: “style is paramount”
She is a lover of literary fiction, narrative non-fiction and food writing; Olivia is building her list as Associate Agent, alongside assisting literary agent and Director Claire Paterson Conrad. In fiction, I’m drawn t…
In fiction, Anna is looking for literary fiction and book club novels, as well as romance, historical, crime/thriller, romantasy, horror, mystery and fantasy that skews towards the nostalgic. She is drawn to fiction wit…
Across all the below genres, I particularly welcome submissions from writers from communities that have been underrepresented in mainstream publishing, including LGBTQ+ authors, disabled and neurodivergent authors, and a…
Says: “Work that pulls apart the strands of the everyday and weaves them into powerful, elegant prose”
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…
Says: “strong, emotive writing”
I am primarily looking for middle grade and YA fiction. I generally gravitate towards voice and character driven narratives, as well as literary fiction and beautiful writing, which I prefer over complex plots and extens…
Says: “stories with beautiful, memorable prose”
Says: “a lyrical voice”
As for her tastes, they run wide and varied, encompassing both children’s and new adult fiction. At every age range, she looks first for stories with a juicy hook and intentional prose. In illustration, she appreciates n…
He represents an eclectic list that includes bestselling fiction and nonfiction of all kinds, from history and medicine, heartwarming memoir, to illustrated books, to edgy detective novels and fast paced thrillers. He a…
She works with a list of writers ranging from exciting new voices in literary fiction and narrative non-fiction, to award-winning food writers and academics, with several prize-winners and Sunday Times bestsellers on her…
James looks after a dynamic and wide-ranging list of writers. James is passionate about reading and good writing. He is hugely enthusiastic about his authors’ work and is always searching for strong storytelling and new…
In Adult Fiction she seeks captivating settings and relatable characters that highlight virtues like empathy and self-sacrifice whether the genre is historical (My Antonia, Outlander), literary/upmarket (The Snow Child,…
Says: “resonant and, at times, exacting prose”
Moe is primarily interested in children's literature (PB, MG, and YA + graphic novels in those ages) though the right adult work will catch her attention. Her favorite genres include contemporary, fantasy, horror, and ro…
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- Middle-grade Books (206)
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- Mystery (186)
- Children's Books (169)
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- Humor (105)
- Romantasy (91)
- Magical Realism (90)
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- African American Fiction (6)