Phrasemill lists literary agents who want moral dilemmas, based on what they say on their public websites. “moral dilemmas” is a theme tag; its identifier is moral-dilemmas. 26 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.
A.M. Heath & Co. · GB
Says: “a knotty moral dilemma”
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…
A.M. Heath & Co. · GB
I represent a wide range of fiction and non-fiction and a bit of poetry.
I am always on the lookout for new, exciting voices. I love books that challenge our understanding of form and genre and am particularly drawn to…
Aitken Alexander Associates · GB
Says: “make us feel deeply, think critically and contend with complex moral and social questions”
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…
David Higham Associates · GB
In fiction I love distinctive narrative voices, well-paced plots with a great hook, and complex female characters. I’m often drawn to humour, quirky or unusual narrators, moral dilemmas and stories about sisters.
In non…
David Higham Associates · GB
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…
Hannah Sheppard Literary Agency · GB
Says: “grey areas where bad things happen but the reasons are completely understandable”
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…
Johnson & Alcock · London
Says: “a moral dilemma”
Anna Power is the MD of Johnson & Alcock and looks after a diverse list of best-selling and prize-winning authors, as well as emerging original voices in fiction and narrative non-fiction.
In fiction, Anna invites submi…
Lexington Literary · GB
Says: “explores moral, philosophical or political questions”
I am looking for bold and affecting literary fiction set anywhere in the world. Writing with a distinctive and off-kilter voice will always catch my eye - I love prose which is wryly funny; full of feeling; inflected wit…
The Soho Agency · London
Says: “conversation starting novels that hit on moral or emotional issues”
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…
Liza Dawson Associates · US
Says: “…Weiner, Liane Moriarty, and Diane Chamberlain, who explore sensitive, controversial or morally gray subjects in a complex, sympathetic way.”
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…
Corvisiero Literary Agency · US
Says: “when the morality line is blurred enough to make the reader wonder who is actually in the right”
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…
Ladderbird Literary Agency · US
Says: “a conflict that's hard-hitting and really makes me wonder if anyone is right”
I am exclusively looking for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander voices who are or are not LGBTIQA+—basically anyone underrepresented and/or marginalized.
I love diverse and unique work that is fast-p…
C&W Agency · GB
Says: “contain some sort of moral dilemma”
Being an agent allows me to do what I love best: discovering new and original voices, helping debut writers launch their careers and working with already published novelists who might want a change in direction.
What I…
C&W Agency · GB
Says: “navigating complexity, uncertainty, ambition or morality”
I am lucky to represent an actively growing list of writers of both fiction and narrative non-fiction. On the fiction side, I read widely so don't like to be too prescriptive, but I do love novels that explore those mome…
C&W Agency · GB
Says: “a challenge to their principles or beliefs”
I read to get into other people's heads, so I'm always looking for character-led fiction, particularly those in the contemporary book club, upmarket, or crossover literary spaces.
I love reading about unusual character…
Howland Literary · US
Says: “Secrets, moral dilemmas, or layered interpersonal tension”
She has a soft spot for speculative stories, mysteries, and anything delightfully weird, and is seeking high-concept, voice-driven adult fiction with strong emotional stakes, a clear hook, and broad commercial appeal. Sh…
Storm Literary Agency · US
Says: “moral dilemmas or impossible choices”
Heather loves books about people she could become friends with--fiction or nonfiction--and introduce a new world, but she cherishes the ones that make her want to be the heroine of her own life.
Heather would love to fi…
Helm Literary · US
Says: “complex moral undertones”
I am seeking "conversation starters" that pair high-concept hooks with beautiful prose and unforgettable voices. I look for work that is compulsive, contagious, and creative.
Contemporary & Upmarket: I want voice-driven…
Ladderbird Literary Agency · US
Marrissa is a reader that values detailed narratives, intelligent and cool characters, lessons learned, and family gained in unlikely places.
I grew up in a literary world that valued-highly-BIPOC pain and poverty. So m…
Renaissance Literary & Talent · US
Says: “layered moral tension”
She represents character-driven commercial and upmarket fiction with strong emotional stakes and narrative urgency.
She is particularly drawn to women’s fiction, historical fiction, romance, mystery, and thriller/suspen…
Transatlantic Literary Agency · CA
Says: “Explore moral complexity without easy answers”
I’m always looking for books that make me forget where I am while I’m reading. Whether literary or commercial, I’m drawn to stories with emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and a strong narrative pull – page turne…
William Morris Endeavor · US
She represents fiction, children's books and non-fiction and enjoys novels with bold storytelling, moving prose and vivid, thought-provoking characters.
She is actively taking on new clients and as an editorially focuse…
Betancourt Literary · US
Rose is particularly drawn to psychological thrillers with a dark twist, layered mysteries, and stories that explore obsession, secrets, and moral ambiguity.
She has a deep love for Southern and Southern Gothic fiction,…
Curtis Brown (Australia) · AU
Says: “explore moral ambiguity”
Alexandra joined Curtis Brown as a literary agent in 2024, representing both established and debut writers of fiction and non-fiction.
Alexandra is an omnivorous reader with a passion for distinctive literary fiction. S…
BookEnds Literary Agency · US
Says: “filled with moral ambiguity and heat”
He represents both commercial genre fiction and non-fiction. The common DNA uniting his list is stories that explore darkness with a sense of curiosity, humor and hope. He is passionate about finding underrepresented voi…
