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.
BookEnds Literary Agency · US
Says: “books that add something important to the conversation”
Amanda currently reps adult romance, mystery / crime / thrillers, upmarket and book club fiction, horror, and science fiction & fantasy. She also represents narrative nonfiction, especially projects exploring the literar…
Cooke McDermid Literary Agency · CA
Says: “non-fiction exploring systemic issues and how they play out in the day-to-day lives of the average person”
Hana is actively seeking
Science Fiction & Fantasy (adult and YA):
Romance:
Book Club fiction
Well-researched and accessible non-fiction in various topics including but not limited to: politics, social justice issues,…
Cooke McDermid Literary Agency · CA
Says: “deal with important issues”
Martha is actively seeking
Upmarket commercial fiction
Narrative non-fiction of all kinds, but especially investigative reporting, adventure, and science & nature
Literary fiction
Her list comprises literary fiction, up…
Darhansoff & Verrill Literary Agents · US
Says: “work that speaks to social and cultural issues”
Presently, Michele is intensifying her pursuit of genre fiction, specifically: crime, horror, and speculative fiction. Narrative and prescriptive nonfiction remain priorities. And however children’s reading habits may be…
David Black Literary Agency · US
Says: “stories rooted in interiority that nonetheless speak to larger social, cultural, or moral questions or hot-button issues”
At David Black, Abby is focused on representing upmarket and literary fiction and is most interested in novels that privilege voice and psychological depth.
She is especially eager for character-driven narratives center…
DeFiore & Company · US
Says: “Novels that rewrite what it means to be an American today”
She represents both adult and children's books.
On the adult side, she's seeking literary and upmarket fiction as well as narrative non-fiction.
For adult fiction, she loves:
Historical and contemporary novels set both…
Donald Maass Literary Agency · US
Says: “addresses big world issues with depth and nuance”
She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelors in English and is drawn to literary and commercial voices within the adult and young adult markets, as well as select adult nonfiction.
Kat feels strongly abo…
Folio Literary Management · US
I'm never looking for what is currently trendy because it will soon be gone. I'm interested in books like The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, which transcend the moment.
Since I also work in the adult space, I am also look…
Folio Literary Management · US
Says: “Socially aware horror”
Quressa Robinson is a literary agent at Folio Literary Management, representing adult fiction with a particular focus on science fiction & fantasy, horror, and romance. She is drawn to work that combines bold, distinctiv…
Frances Goldin Literary Agency · US
Says: “authors that explore how social issues and human hearts get painfully and gloriously tangled up together”
Her taste is bold and eclectic; she loves working with writers who, to steal from a line Dickinson, “tell all the truth but tell it slant.”
Lucy’s nonfiction taste is anchored by her interest in the way culture shapes u…
Howland Literary · US
Says: “characters challenging society”
Esty is looking for romance in adult, new adult, or YA spaces, upmarket fiction, adult or YA grounded fantasy, and literary fiction.
In YA and adult romance, Esty is looking for grounded fantasy like DIVINE RIVALS or EM…
JABberwocky Literary Agency · US
Says: “address political and social concerns”
What I desire most are books that can help with this, whether in a straightforward way like narrative nonfiction, or an oblique way like a fantasy or science fiction novel—I'm always on the lookout for books that are gro…
Janklow & Nesbit · London
Says: “horror that is using the genre to interrogate social issues”
I am looking for commercial fiction across the board, but with a particular focus on romance, SFF and commercial thrillers. Across all genres, I am drawn to books with exemplary characterisation and voice. I need to feel…
Jennifer Azantian Literary Agency · US
Says: “anti-monarchy stories, anti-capitalism and anti-imperialism stories”
I'm actively seeking to represent authors from communities traditionally underrepresented in publishing, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and disabled and/or chronically ill writers.
In fiction, I'm seeking accessibly-written…
Jennifer Azantian Literary Agency · US
Says: “stories echo modern-day issues for young adults”
In 2021, she joined Azantian Literary Agency where she represents fiction and nonfiction picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, and select adult fiction and nonfiction.
She is a hands-on editorial age…
Ladderbird Literary Agency · US
Says: “discussions about humanity”
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…
Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency · US
Says: “social commentary with hints of humor”
In adult and YA, Rebecca’s interests cover a wide range of genres, but most of all, she is interested in grounded, speculative stories, page-turning contemporary romance, non-linear storytelling, and elevated writing acr…
McIntosh & Otis · US
Christa has been at McIntosh and Otis, Inc. in the Children’s Literature Department since 2009 where she is actively acquiring for all age groups in children’s.
Christa is taking on picture books very sparingly and is n…
Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency · US
Jill is looking for fiction and non-fiction by unrepresented voices, BIPOC and Latinx writers, disabled persons, and people identifying as LGBTQ+, among others.
She is interested in commercial and upmarket fiction, with…
Sanford J. Greenburger Associates · US
Says: “intimate narratives that interrogate institutions and systems”
Madeline is seeking literary and upmarket fiction, as well as select narrative nonfiction and memoir. She is committed to advocating for voices that have been underrepresented in publishing.
In fiction, Madeline loves t…
Storm Literary Agency · US
Says: “masterfully-handled social or political commentary”
Madelyn loves queer stories with dark twists and rich worlds, especially in fantasy and light science fiction. Her favorites include Young Adult fantasy and Adult with fantastic characters you can't help but love.
Age G…
Talcott Notch Literary Services · US
The Book Group · US
Says: “any book that entertains while also saying something important”
Sophie represents a wide range of authors, including New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelists and children’s book writers. She champions projects with a wide commercial appeal that balance accessibility with de…
Transatlantic Literary Agency · CA
Says: “stories that offer fresh cultural, political, and/or social critiques”
Amanda is looking for stories and projects that make her feel deeply and that surprise her, whether that be in form, voice, tone, concept, ambition, or all of the above.
She is particularly drawn to stories from Asian a…
William Morris Endeavor · US
Says: “sharp social commentary”
Erin represents fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. More than any specific category or genre, she’s drawn to good stories and distinct points of view; writers who make us think and also those who provide a g…
