With a population of 66 million and a rich literature history one would assume the French publishing industry would be saturated with literary agencies. But France does things differently.
Authors in France have always preferred and enjoyed a direct relationship with publishers – something which is unheard of and literally foreign in other countries.
The literary agent in France is perceived as an unnecessary Anglo-Saxon tradition on the path to being published. Consequently, the first literary agency in France was not established until 1988.
In contrast to other countries this puts their literary agency history one hundred years behind their contemporaries. Even today, many publishers in France will be reluctant to accept manuscripts from literary agencies in France.
French publishers are so entrenched in their direct dealings with authors that they do not want a literary agency interfering with the publishing contracts.
So these France literary agencies below are the minority that do achieve inroads with publishers and are actively seeking to revolutionise the author-agent-publisher relationship.
Unless otherwise indicated, these France literary agencies are based in Paris.
Astier-Pécher Literary & Film Agency
Website: Official Site
Genres: Fiction | Non-Fiction
E-mail submissions: contact@pierreastier.com
All Queries: Query letter, synopsis, and the full manuscript as a PDF attachment.
Lora Fountain Literary Agency
Website: Official Site
Genres: Fiction | Children’s Books | Graphic Novels | YA | Non-Fiction
E-mail submissions: agence@lorafountain.com
Note: Not currently accepting submissions. Referral only.
Intertalent
Website: Official Site
Genres: Fiction | Non-Fiction
E-mail submissions: info@intertalent.fr
All Queries: Query letter only.
Note: The agency is a powerhouse in the film business with 80% of its clients being actors, screenwriters, or filmmakers. Only 20% are authors.
Anna Jarota Literary Agency
Website: Official Site
Genres: Fiction | Non-Fiction
Does not represent: Poetry, Short Stories, Picture Books, Children’s Books, Illustrated Books, Genre Literature, Romance, or Erotica.
E-mail submissions: manuscripts@ajafr.com
Query Fiction: Query letter, synopsis, bio, and the full manuscript as a Word or PDF attachment.
Query Non-Fiction: Query letter and bio. Both within the body of an e-mail.
Note: The agency also has an office in Poland. They accept all works written in English, French, or Polish.
Michelle Lapautre Literary Agency
Website: Official Site
Genres: Fiction | Non-Fiction
E-mail submissions: lapautre@club-internet.fr
Note: Not currently accepting submissions. Referral only.
Susanna Lea Associates
Website: Official Site
Genres: Fiction | Non-Fiction
Does not represent: Poetry, Short Stories, or Science-Fiction
E-mail submissions: paris@susannalea.com
Address to the Submissions Department and manuscript will be passed to a suitable agent.
Query Fiction: Query letter, synopsis and the first 3 chapters as a Word or PDF attachment.
Query Non-Fiction: Query letter, bio and the full proposal as a Word or PDF attachment.
Note: The agency also has offices in London and New York.
Wandel-Cruse Literary Agency
Website: Official Site
Genres: Fiction | Non-Fiction
E-mail submissions only: arabella.cruse@gmail.com
All Queries: Query letter only.
Note: The agency also represents Nordic and Dutch writers.