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.
William Morris Endeavor · US
Says: “a keen social lens”
In fiction, Alyssa is drawn to propulsive, voice-driven stories that blend emotional resonance with undeniable hooks. She is actively looking for novels that grip you from the first page and stay with you long after turn…
WLA Books · US
Says: “change the way we think about the world around us”
She is interested in books that explore the limitlessness of human potential or that change the way we think about the world around us.
she is passionate about exceptional storytelling, narrative arc and discovering ori…
Folio Literary Management · US
Says: “projects that make me feel big emotions about people and our societies”
I love a good adventure on and off the page, but especially the stories that dig into themes of identity and explore the metaphors of magic and monsters.
I work on Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult fiction across gen…
Page Turner Literary Agency · Illinois
Says: “tackle tough topics”
Fairbank Literary · US
Says: “works that are of social or cultural significance”
Our tastes tend toward literary and international fiction; voice-y novels with a strong sense of place; big memoir that goes beyond the me-moir; topical or narrative nonfiction with a strong interest in women’s voices, g…
Karpfinger Agency · US
Says: “personal stories with broader social implications”
Sam is actively growing his list of adult fiction and non-fiction. In fiction, he is particularly drawn to stories driven by complex, fully-realized characters and marked by emotional authenticity and a strong sense of p…
Paul S. Levine Literary Agent · US
Says: “politically and socially important works”
Whether he is considering fiction or non-fiction, Levine will not take on a project unless he feels certain he can sell it.
With a preference for politically and socially important works, he represents more than 200 boo…
WordServe Literary · Colorado
Says: “your work counters the purity culture movement”
Ellen is primarily interested in religious nonfiction, particularly Biblical analysis, art criticism, essays, material for youth (middle & high schoolers), and faith & culture.
Be sure to query if your work counters the…
a4 Literary · AU
Says: “savage denouncements of social ills”
In fiction, I’m frequently drawn to charming and winning novels about complicated relationships between families, lovers and friends, such as The Interestings, Commonwealth, Writers & Lovers, The Bee Sting and The In-Bet…
a4 Literary · AU
Says: “writing that grapples with the present moment in all its complexity and absurdity”
I’m drawn to weird, spooky and deeply atmospheric novels in the vein of Evie Wyld, Han Kang, Carmen Maria Machado, Shirley Jackson, Donna Tartt, and Claire Keegan.
I love books that make you feel but also bring levity a…
Sterling Lord Literistic · US
Says: “speak to our current moment”
Danielle represents critically acclaimed, award-winning literary fiction, upmarket fiction, genre-bending commercial, SFF and narrative nonfiction.
She’s looking for novels with a unique premise and high-concept hook; s…
BookEnds Literary Agency · US
Says: “challenge perspectives, and educate”
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…
DeFiore & Company · US
Says: “narrative non-fiction that guides readers toward a better understanding of the societal forces and systems that shape their lives”
She is actively looking for compelling, deeply researched narrative non-fiction that guides readers toward a better understanding of the societal forces and systems that shape their lives, whether it takes the form of "b…
Blake Friedmann Literary · London
Says: “the issues we/they face in today's world”
I work with fiction and non-fiction authors in the commercial, upmarket and accessible literary space. I’m keen to hear from authors who feel their voice is underrepresented in publishing and it’s important to me to work…
Nordlyset Literary Agency · US
Jennifer aims to provide opportunities for voices that need amplification. She looks for books that explore a deeper understanding of human psychology, societal structures, world history, and human interactions and motiv…
The Cheney Agency · US
Says: “storytelling to respond in some way to capitalism, colonialism, racism, and the climate crisis”
She represents a range of nonfiction, including narrative nonfiction, current affairs, cultural criticism, popular history, science, and smart pop culture. She’s also looking to represent select, plot-driven literary and…
Tobias Literary Agency · New York
Says: “contemporary stories that challenge assumptions and ask hard questions”
Kelly represents picture books, middle grade and young adult, both fiction and nonfiction, as well as graphic novels. She also represents illustrators.
She is drawn to high concept stories with high level writing, books…
Tobias Literary Agency · New York
Says: “books that challenge societal norms, especially gender norms”
They love books that challenge societal norms, especially gender norms. They have a personal interest in stories featuring queer characters or characters with disability, neurodiversity, chronic illness, or mental health…
Folio Literary Management · US
Says: “stories that challenge dominant narratives about the world and our place in it”
In nonfiction, John is looking for narrative nonfiction from folks with strong, clear, and historically underrepresented voices with an eye always toward justice and anti-imperialism — stories that challenge dominant nar…
Martin Literary Management · US
Says: “stories that speak to current issues”
Lindsey is excited to build her list with passionate, kind, and hard-working authors. As an avid reader, she is open to a wide variety of genres, including picture book, middle grade, young adult, and new adult.
After g…
