Literary agents who want uplifting writing

Phrasemill lists literary agents who want uplifting, based on what they say on their public websites. “uplifting” is a tone tag; its identifier is uplifting. 42 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.

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Agents (1–25 of 42)

Jessica Lee
A.M. Heath & Co. · GB
I'm an Associate Agent here at A.M. Heath, actively building a list of literary fiction and non-fiction. In fiction, my taste ranges from the highly literary to novels that engage across the board. I’m drawn to a combin…
Oli Munson
A.M. Heath & Co. · GB
I have a wonderfully varied list (one of the perks of being an agent) but I’ve always been a sucker for commercial fiction that has the Holy Trinity of pace, plot and character. Those are the three elements I’m looking f…
Katie Fulford
Bell Lomax Moreton · GB
She is looking for authors in both non-fiction and fiction. In non-fiction she is looking for experts and journalists who have something new to say about their areas of expertise, in almost any subject area but particula…
Bryony Woods
Bryony Woods Literary Agency · GB
Says: “books that are full of hope”
Bryony Woods represents an eclectic mix of talented and award winning writers, including Sunday Times and New York Times bestsellers, with a list spanning from quirky children’s fiction and YA through to a broad range of…
Jessica Woollard
David Higham Associates · GB
I represent a diverse range of narrative non-fiction and have always been attracted to memoir (I was the agent for H is for Hawk). Working with books that change the way we see the world or can deftly interweave multiple…
Judith Murray
Greene & Heaton · GB
Says: “fiction that helps me be optimistic and hopeful and resilient”
I am looking for well-written genre fiction, including thrillers, crime, historical novels, clever literary horror (not too gory), science-fiction, fantasy, romance, literary fiction that is well written with great chara…
Laura Williams
Greene & Heaton · GB
Says: “warmth and heart”
I have a broad list across different genres of fiction, alongside a smaller non-fiction and children’s book list, and I’m always looking for new and exciting projects. I love working on literary fiction and upmarket com…
Laura Heathfield
Greenstone Literary · GB
Says: “uplifting bookclub read that leaves me with a feeling of hope and optimism”
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…
Maria Brannan
Greyhound Literary · GB
Says: “heartfelt, emotive stories with deep humanity and warmth”
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…
Julia Silk
Greyhound Literary · GB
Says: “novel as simultaneously bittersweet and life-affirming”
In fiction she is looking for smart, compelling writing across the spectrum from commercial to literary, particularly when it opens a door into a previously inaccessible world or experience (Crazy Rich Asians, Prep), exp…
Claire Paterson Conrad
Janklow & Nesbit · London
Says: “warm-hearted and wise”
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…
Anna Dawson
Johnson & Alcock · London
In fiction, Anna is looking for literary fiction and book club novels, as well as romance, historical, crime/thriller, romantasy, horror, mystery and fantasy that skews towards the nostalgic. She is drawn to fiction wit…
Chloe Seager
Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency · GB
Says: “books that tackle an issue in an accessible, child-friendly and uplifting way”
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…
Kiya Evans
Paper Literary · London
Says: “Big hearted stories”
Kiya joined Paper Literary in 2025 with a focus on building a list of new and exciting voices in fiction (and selective non-fiction). She has sold multiple six-figure deals in both the UK and US, and is keenly seeking b…
Laurie Robertson
Peters Fraser & Dunlop · London
Laurie Robertson is an agent representing books and journalism, and is actively building a list of adult fiction and non-fiction. On the fiction side she represents a range of genres, alongside a smaller non-fiction lis…
Lisette Verhagen
Peters Fraser & Dunlop · London
Says: “stories that are moving”
Lisette is actively building a literary list with a strong focus on international clients for sale both to the UK and around the world. I’m especially looking for literary fiction and narrative non-fiction with great in…
Julian Alexander
The Soho Agency · London
Says: “books with real heart”
He represents an eclectic list that includes bestselling fiction and nonfiction of all kinds, from history and medicine, heartwarming memoir, to illustrated books, to edgy detective novels and fast paced thrillers. He a…
Laura Macdougall
United Agents · London
I read widely and eclectically, and my list reflects my broad tastes as a reader. I have a background in classical languages and philosophy, so as well as being seduced by great writing and by an author with something ne…
Anjanette Barr
Dunham Literary · US
In Adult Fiction she seeks captivating settings and relatable characters that highlight virtues like empathy and self-sacrifice whether the genre is historical (My Antonia, Outlander), literary/upmarket (The Snow Child,…
Marisa Corvisiero
Corvisiero Literary Agency · US
Says: “a positive message”
Marisa will judge each story not just on the writing, but also with an eye toward finding creative stories with well developed plots and rich characters with unique voices. She is always hoping for stories with standout…
Claire Draper
Au Literary Management · US
Claire represents adult romance, graphic novels, young adult, nonfiction, memoir, and select picture books. They prefer to work with books that are funny, lighthearted, romantic, and hopeful, with a fast pace, high stake…
Michelle Jackson
Jackson Literary Agency · US
Says: “heartwarming, uplifting tales”
I represent books that evoke heartfelt emotions and fervent conversations among its readers. My mission is to mentor and develop authors, particularly those from underrepresented communities, and help them build a brand…
Jessica Larios-Zarate
Wave Literary · US
She is passionate about uplifting stories by authors with marginalized voices and intersectional identities.
Kristin NelsonReferral only
Nelson Literary Agency · US
Says: “Absolutely delightful and emotionally engaging novels that can be read over and over again because experiencing that world and those characters is a joy”
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…
Eva Scalzo
Speilburg Literary Agency · US
Says: “a joyful tone even when exploring grief or growth”
Eva is looking for voice-driven YA and romance that balances heart, humor, and hope—stories where falling in love helps characters discover who they are. Think high-concept setups with emotional depth: the summer that c…

Literary agents who want uplifting writing

Agents (1–25 of 42)

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