Phrasemill lists literary agents who want social commentary, based on what they say on their public websites. “social commentary” is a theme tag; its identifier is social-commentary. 120 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: “environmental and social issues”
I love that feeling of having to read one more chapter.
I'll always love novels that tackle meaty topics with humour, like Catherine Newman's We All Want Impossible Things.
I adore page turners such as An Anatomy of a…
Aevitas Creative Management · US
Jenni specializes in literary fiction and loves everything from traditional novels, to the dark and twisty, the voicey, the funny, and the strange.
She represents family dramas, social novels, thrillers, horror, story c…
Aevitas Creative Management · US
Says: “projects that ignite cultural conversation”
Sarah Levitt represents critically acclaimed, award-winning, and NYT bestselling nonfiction and select fiction writers (including two MacArthur "Geniuses" and counting). Her list includes journalists, academics, historia…
Aitken Alexander Associates · GB
Says: “how the story of an individual or a community can reveal both human drama and larger historical or social currents”
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…
Greene & Heaton · GB
Says: “asks wider questions about history or society”
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…
Greenstone Literary · GB
Says: “any submission that rethinks a popular or accepted train of thought”
I am proud to represent a great list of both fiction and non-fiction authors. What all my authors have in common is great, exciting writing, that has brought me on adventures, and taught me something new. This is a huge…
International Creative Agency · GB
Says: “fiction that reimagines or disrupts dominant narratives”
At ICA, Sharmaine is actively building a list of fiction and non-fiction with international ambition, seeking distinctive voices, emotional resonance, and stories that broaden how we see the world.
She is looking for li…
Janklow & Nesbit · London
Says: “books that are a call to arms for other issues of our day”
I work closely editorially with writers, regardless of genre. With non-fiction, I’ll help hone the smallest seed of an idea into a perfect, irresistible proposal and with fiction, I’ll make sure a first novel is as good…
Janklow & Nesbit · London
Says: “Social commentary explored through a plotty story”
Hayley is a Director and Literary Agent representing writers of commercial and bookclub fiction across all genres.
I’m particularly drawn to a strong hook and one line pitch – a setting, structure, or a ‘what if’ that c…
Kate Barker Literary Agency · London
Says: “subjects that get people talking”
I have broad taste in novels but generally like narrative and character-driven fiction, interesting settings and high concept novels. I’m looking for work by historically under-represented authors. I’d be delighted to fi…
Ki Agency · London
Says: “Fabienne loves strong voices and atmosphere, stories that have something to say about the world in both fiction and non-fiction.”
Lexington Literary · GB
Says: “work that isn't afraid to expose our worst instincts”
In fiction, I am looking for anything extraordinary and precise, in the vein of Anita Brookner, Jenny Offill and Gwendoline Riley. Work that pulls apart the strands of the everyday and weaves them into powerful, elegant…
Lexington Literary · GB
Says: “big ideas books with a radical edge”
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…
Lutyens & Rubinstein · GB
Says: “actively engages with ideas and the world around us”
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…
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: “themes that spark up conversations”
Madeleine reads across all areas of fiction but is immediately drawn to powerful, voice-led book club fiction with irresistible protagonists and themes that spark up conversations. She loves a literary voice that lingers…
Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency · GB
Says: “narratives that engage thoughtfully with how personal lives intersect with social, political or historical contexts and moments of wider change”
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…
Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency · GB
Says: “magic is used as a vehicle to comment on the real world”
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…
Marjacq Scripts · GB
Imogen represents non-fiction which looks at serious subjects in innovative ways, and literary and upmarket fiction.
In non-fiction, her list covers history, science, memoir, cookery, cultural criticism, social issues,…
Mushens Entertainment · London
Says: “allegorical horror that explores social issues”
“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…
Mushens Entertainment · London
Says: “books that don't shy away from the dark and subversive stories that reveal or explore uncomfortable truths about our culture”
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…
PEW Literary · London
Says: “social and political commentary”
She is drawn to generically and formally innovative literary fiction that speaks to the present moment, or anything that makes her laugh!
Her non-fiction interests are diverse, and include history, art, social and polit…
Peters Fraser & Dunlop · London
Says: “writing that makes social, political, and economic issues accessible and engaging”
I am actively looking for exciting new voices across both fiction and non-fiction.
I’m interested in non-fiction that says something about the way we live- from beautiful narrative non-fiction with a strong voice to pas…
Pérez Literary & Entertainment · London
Says: “books that take on timely issues”
With my diverse background, my tastes in books are equally eclectic. Since I am lucky enough to represent many talented authors and publishers across many genres and categories, I have to be particularly strategic and se…
Pérez Literary & Entertainment · London
Says: “a deeper dive into the social and political implications”
I represent YA and New Adult and am particularly interested in Contemporary Romance, Romantasy and Fantasy.
I am always attracted to the character and voice first, so give me romantic tension that has me giggling, a vil…
