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.
Looking Glass Literary & Media · US
Says: “something to say about the world we live in”
She reps kidlit through adult fiction and nonfiction and prioritizes underrepresented authors, especially BIPOC authors, across the board.
Her favorite submissions usually have something to say about the world we live i…
Nelson Literary Agency · US
Says: “illuminate the world we live in through the lens of an imagined world”
Literary/commercial novels that tackle timely issues and uncomfortable or complicated relationship dynamics and leave the reader grappling long after the last page is read (Intermezzo, Little Fires Everywhere, All Adults…
Inspired Ink Literary · US
Says: “offers meaningful reflections on the world around us”
Founded by literary agent Gisa Seeholzer, Inspired Ink is dedicated to discovering and championing compelling voices in adult fiction and select narrative nonfiction.
We are especially drawn to upmarket and historical f…
Sinsheimer Literary · US
Says: “environmental and social issues books”
FinePrint Literary Management · US
Says: “Issue-driven stories that address timeless social issues”
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…
Thompson Literary Agency · US
Says: “anything that advances our cultural and social dialogue to a more elevated level”
She is interested in biography, memoir, music, popular science, politics, social justice, cookbooks, sports, health and wellness, spirituality, fashion, art, design, adult art books, popular culture, and anything that ad…
C&W Agency · GB
Says: “excoriating social commentary”
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…
Graham Maw Christie · London
HHB Agency · GB
Says: “books that open up important conversations”
Before that, she worked in television and film development where she enjoyed the challenge of finding great storytellers, clever communicators and people with passions who have interesting perspectives or original voices…
The Blair Partnership · GB
Says: “novels that use the crime genre to explore broader social issues”
I represent commercial and upmarket fiction, including book club fiction, crime and thriller, historical and contemporary fiction, and some non-fiction in the areas of lifestyle and personal development.
I am currently…
C&W Agency · GB
Says: “Stories that focus on people grappling with the pressures of societal or community expectations”
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…
Curtis Brown Group · GB
Says: “contemporary social issues”
In terms of fiction, I’m particularly drawn to character and voice driven narratives that make me feel deeply and think hard about the world around us.
If the writing is compelling, agile, atmospheric and intelligent I…
David Higham Associates · GB
Says: “the world we live in”
I am building an exciting literary fiction and non-fiction list, and I am also lucky enough to work across DHA managing director Lizzy Kremer’s list of internationally bestselling writers.
In terms of fiction, I am look…
David Higham Associates · GB
Says: “examines the social politics and the psychology of the human race”
I am actively building a list of scriptwriters and work with both established career writers, whose main needs might be contractual and career support, through to those at the earlier end of their journey, who need every…
International Creative Agency · GB
Says: “Her professional background spans journalism at both a news agency and local newspaper, sharpening her sense of how personal stories intersect with broader social narratives.”
Rogers, Coleridge & White · GB
Says: “books that draw connections to real-world issues”
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…
Martin Literary Management · US
Says: “Sci-fi that deals with the important questions of today's society”
Primarily, I'm looking to build my list in genre fiction of all kinds. I have a special place in my heart for sci-fi and fantasy with a strong sense of style, prose, and characterization. I love writing with an appreciat…
Helm Literary · US
Says: “thoughtful social commentary”
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: “plot-forward commentary on society”
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,…
O'Connor Literary Agency · US
Says: “timely ideas that spark conversation”
Jonathan Agin is interested in non-fiction—mainly intellectual and social history, biography, and cultural criticism. His clients include journalists, scholars, and other highly perceptive and opinionated writers working…
Ultra Literary · US
Says: “stories that have something to say”
Lane Clarke believes in representing books that transport your mind, whether it be in a fantastical world, or the real one.
She is always hoping to learn something new from books, and strives to represent a diverse list…
Transatlantic Literary Agency · CA
Says: “projects that explore the intersections of the personal, the political, and the cultural”
Noelle is looking for projects that uplift essential voices from the margins and teaches how to better be human. She is eager to work with and prioritize authors of marginalized identities, and is particularly looking fo…
Fuse Literary · US
Says: “Stories with a "social scary" layer—exploring societal fears through a historical lens”
Alex Adsett Literary · AU
Says: “worlds that make us question the status quo”
As an agent, Abigail is looking for engaging plots and convincing characters. Something that will keep her turning the pages and that will stay with her after she’s finished reading.
There are some rules and conventions…
Alice Williams Literary · London
She's keen to consider playful, funny books for all ages, and is always on the lookout for beautifully written, empowering stories with strong hooks.
Mysteries, thrillers, fantasy, magic, rom coms, friendship stories, a…
