Phrasemill lists literary agents who want retelling, based on what they say on their public websites. “retelling” is a trope tag; its identifier is retelling. 41 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.
Aevitas Creative Management · US
Says: “fresh retellings of mythology, ballet, opera, and classic literature”
Erica Bauman represents a wide variety of authors across middle grade, young adult, and commercial adult fiction
Erica is most interested in commercial novels that feature an exciting premise and lyrical, atmospheric wr…
Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency · London
Says: “novels that flip existing narratives on their head”
Rebeka is building a dynamic list specialising in commercial romance and romantasy, representing New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times, Kindle, Apple Books, and Audible bestselling authors from around the world.
Begin…
Felicity Bryan Associates · Oxford
Says: “fresh and unexpected subversions of known narratives”
At FBA I am building a list of writers of fiction, non-fiction and select poetry, with a particular openness to authors who can work across these forms.
In fiction I am looking for novels, short story collections and no…
Greene & Heaton · GB
Says: “a retelling of THE CRUCIBLE, but from the perspective of Abigail Williams”
In fantasy, I am looking for something more grounded, with a light touch on the magical elements and edging closer to speculative/dystopic. The world building must be incredibly strong and compulsive, so that I’m quickly…
Greenstone Literary · GB
Says: “familiar tropes are done differently”
I read widely across genres! I am always looking for commercial crime, thriller, suspense, bookclub, historical and romance fiction as well as very select non-fiction.
Above everything I want to be entertained. I’m look…
Greyhound Literary · GB
Says: “myth and folklore retellings”
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…
Greyhound Literary · GB
Says: “inspired by classics”
A life-long reader of speculative fiction, Sam would like to see highly original submissions in the science fiction, fantasy and literary horror genres. He's also keen to take on experts writing non-fiction for a general…
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…
Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency · GB
Says: “retellings, reimaginings and twists on the stories we all know and love for a modern audience”
Callen Martin is a Literary Agent specialising in accessible Middle Grade (7+), YA and SFF fiction with an action and adventure focus.
Middle Grade (7+), YA, New Adult, SFF fiction in all genres and formats (bar verse,…
Paper Literary · London
Says: “clever retelling of a classic story”
I’m building a list of quality commercial and upmarket/book club fiction, with a select number of memoirs and non-fiction projects also in the mix.
Psychological suspense is my first love as both an agent and a reader,…
Peters Fraser & Dunlop · London
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…
DeFiore & Company · US
Says: “stories that offer a new twist or retelling of some kind”
Miriam specializes in adult literary and book club fiction, narrative nonfiction, and books for children.
She is particularly interested in finding emerging and underrepresented voices, and she loves reading and represe…
Liza Dawson Associates · US
Says: “…about Anne Frank Retellings of classics such as A Tale of Two Cities, To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Prejudice, As I Lay Dying, The Old Man and the Sea, The Tell-Tale Heart Topics/settings I’d…”
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…
Nancy Yost Literary Agency · US
Says: “female-driven folklore and mythology retellings”
She is looking for adult fiction in the following genres: domestic suspense, romance, historical fiction, and horror.
Focusing mainly on romance, she is especially drawn to romantic adventure, suspense, and paranormal,…
Folio Literary Management · US
Says: “Fresh re-imaginings of mythology and fairy tales for adult readers”
I'm a Vice President and literary agent at Folio representing literary and upmarket commercial fiction and narrative non-fiction.
Voice-driven, idiosyncratic and searing novels in the vein of the books of Melissa Broder…
FinePrint Literary Management · US
Says: “gender-bent/gay Sherlock Holmes”
Bonnie represents authors who cover all the age groups from picture books through adult, many of whom have their own furry overlords or small two-legged dictators commanding their households, too.
When she is open to qu…
C&W Agency · GB
Says: “reinvents familiar tropes in a fresh way”
I have my own list of authors writing in the literary fiction, non-fiction and upmarket genre space.
Although I consider myself an open-minded reader, my taste tends to lean towards literary and book club fiction.
I am…
DHH Literary Agency · GB
Character-driven speculative fiction
Female-led literary and crossover fiction
Book club fiction
Contemporary rom-coms
Sweeping love stories (historical or contemporary)
Crime & psychological thrillers
Female-led f…
David Higham Associates · GB
Says: “a fresh-take on a classic”
I assist Andrew Gordon and Jessica Woollard and am also starting to build my own list of literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, and poetry.
I am looking for bold literary and upmarket fiction that makes me sit up and…
Rogers, Coleridge & White · GB
Says: “stories that put a fresh spin on familiar tales and tropes”
She has a wide-ranging taste and is interested in dynamic, voice-driven narratives that carry a sense of urgency—stories that are emotionally impactful and have a strong hook without being overwritten.
She enjoys both d…
Howland Literary · US
Says: “Subversive myth retellings”
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…
Bradford Literary Agency · US
Says: “clever retellings of folklore/legends/myths”
She likes to think of herself as an editorial-focused agent and is particularly eager to acquire BIPOC/underrepresented voices.
She is prioritizing stories of joy where identity isn’t the focus and is especially excited…
Helm Literary · US
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…
Transatlantic Literary Agency · CA
Says: “historical retellings with a contemporary feel”
For fiction, Jo is seeking books that subvert genre expectations or combine genres in innovative and twisty ways. They’re particularly searching for speculative fiction/light sci-fi (Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro,…
WSA | Wendy Sherman Associates · US
Says: “fresh reinterpretations of classic literature”
Laura represents nonfiction across a wide range of categories, with particular interests in culture and pop culture, health and wellness, personal development, history, celebrity memoir, and humor.
She is especially dra…
