Literary agents who want witty writing
Phrasemill lists literary agents who want witty, based on what they say on their public websites. “witty” is a tone tag; its identifier is witty. 61 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.
Or paste your synopsis into ChatGPT or Claude with this prompt; it can read your whole manuscript.
Agents (1–25 of 61)
Says: “spirited, offbeat, and finely-drawn”
Now a Primary Agent in the UK department, Rory is actively building his list and represents authors of literary fiction and non-fiction. In fiction, he is looking for voice-driven and story-led literary writing powered…
Says: “smart witty protagonist”
Says: “smart, fresh and a little unexpected”
My primary focus is books for children and young adults. I also represent select fiction for adults, generally but not exclusively speculative. I have a thriving list, but I always have room for an irresistible new pro…
I am always hungry to read new writers and am actively looking for storytelling that surprises or moves me. I am drawn to strong points of view, especially those of women. I prize books that try to make sense of the work…
I am building a list of literary and upmarket fiction and non-fiction. I am particularly drawn to writing which combines elements of other genres. I love strange concepts and wild ideas, stories that play with form and…
Says: “novels written with subtle humour”
Says: “stylish, clever writing”
Says: “contemporary smart humour”
A life-long reader of speculative fiction, Sam would like to see highly original submissions in the science fiction, fantasy and literary horror genres. He's also keen to take on experts writing non-fiction for a general…
Says: “upends expectations with wit and energy”
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…
Says: “a sharp, humorous voice”
Says: “a novel which appraises the world with shrewdness, clarity and humour”
Says: “prose which is wryly funny”
I represent a wide range of authors, including prize-winners and Sunday Times and USA Today bestsellers, and am actively building a list of both fiction and non-fiction across a variety of genres. With fiction, my wishl…
I am primarily looking for middle grade and YA fiction. I generally gravitate towards voice and character driven narratives, as well as literary fiction and beautiful writing, which I prefer over complex plots and extens…
Says: “something as playfully clever”
She works with a list of writers ranging from exciting new voices in literary fiction and narrative non-fiction, to award-winning food writers and academics, with several prize-winners and Sunday Times bestsellers on her…
Steph represents a broad range of writers from debut authors to bestselling brand authors, and is drawn to a variety of genres including thrillers and espionage, book club fiction and romance with a twist, gothic stories…
Says: “Suspense that explores dark subject matter through a feminist lens, a la Jessica Knoll, or a smart and introspective lens like Tana French, or with a cutting and quirky voice like Megan Abbott.”
She seeks authors with unique, clear voices who put forth smart, tightly-written prose. She is actively building her client list with both debut and veteran writers. Whether literary, upmarket, or commercial, she leans…
Katherine represents history, biography, politics, current affairs, investigative journalism, narrative nonfiction, cultural criticism, pop culture, adventure, true crime, science, nature, medicine, business, sociology,…
Says: “hilarious in clever ways”
More literary agent lists
- Literary Fiction (456)
- Narrative Nonfiction (431)
- Memoir (364)
- Young Adult (357)
- Romance (276)
- Thriller (265)
- Fantasy (241)
- Historical Fiction (232)
- Middle-grade Books (206)
- Horror (193)
- Mystery (186)
- Children's Books (169)
- Science Fiction (163)
- Women's Fiction (147)
- Crime Fiction (115)
- Humor (105)
- Romantasy (91)
- Magical Realism (90)
- Debut Authors (72)
- True Crime (72)
- Contemporary Romance (66)
- Cozy Fantasy (32)
- Cozy Mystery (28)
- Dark Academia (27)
- Poetry (26)
- Dark Romance (19)
- Paranormal Romance (17)
- African American Fiction (6)