What does a non-fiction literary agent do?

I support non-fiction authors and help develop their non-fiction ideas, match their projects with suitable publishers, and negotiate contracts and rights. I also keep a strategic eye on the popular non-fiction market and help with positioning. I do not represent specialist books or novels.

How does a non-fiction literary agent earn money?

Through a commission. As I provide one-to-one support, I take a 20% commission on all royalties an author earns from a book project.

What makes a good book idea for the popular non-fiction market?

Let me ask you this: what sort of books do you enjoy reading? Only unique, entertaining and relevant storytelling reaches a wide audience. A strong thesis is also important, alongside the author’s lived expertise and sympathy. These days, specialist knowledge can be accessed so easily via AI that personality and credibility have become increasingly important.

Why isn’t it enough just to have a good book idea?

The book market thrives on public presence. For a non-fiction book to be successful, it is essential to have a media presence: through one’s own public role, social media, a personal podcast, speaking engagements and consultancy work, as well as appearances on TV and talk shows. This form of 360-degree marketing is essential for a successful non-fiction book these days.

What sort of books does an agent for popular non-fiction represent?

I represent authors from various areas of popular non-fiction. These include, amongst others:

  • Philosophy and society

  • History and politics

  • Psychology, health and creativity

  • Science and popular science

  • Cookery, travel and lifestyle books

  • (Auto)biographical material

What matters most to me is a unique, entertaining and relevant storytelling with the potential to reach a wide audience. I do not handle specialist books.

How do I apply to a literary agency for popular non-fiction?

With a professional proposal including a reading sample. I explain what such a proposal looks like in webinars and workshops with my colleague, the book marketing expert Jutta Echterhoff. We founded the company BookDream – dein Traum vom Buch (link to follow) in 2026.

What happens if a literary agency can’t find a publisher for my project?

Don’t worry. All roads lead to Rome. As soon as our option agreement ends, you’re free to move on. You retain the copyright to your work, so you’ll always take it with you.