Amy Cloughley is a Kimberley Cameron & Associates agent who specializes in grounded, character-driven crime fiction and domestic suspense — with a demonstrated track record of turning literary thrillers into award-winners and bestsellers.
In brief
Her sales record tells a sharper story than her wishlist: the vast majority of her confirmed deals are crime fiction and domestic thrillers by Allen Eskens and Emily Carpenter — two long-term repeat clients she has worked with across multiple books each, signaling deep investment in author careers over one-off projects.
Eskens alone accounts for roughly a dozen deals, spanning Seventh Street Books and Mulholland Books, with one USA Today bestseller, one Publishers Weekly bestseller, multiple award wins, and Edgar and Minnesota Book Award nominations — her commercial muscle in crime fiction is well-documented.
Kimi Cunningham Grant adds a third repeat-client relationship, with two USA Today/Publishers Weekly bestselling titles at Minotaur; together, these three authors represent every confirmed sale on record, all in crime, suspense, or atmospheric literary fiction.
Her stated enthusiasm for women's fiction, romcom, book-club fiction, and historicals is not yet reflected in her deal record — writers in those categories are pitching into an expressed interest rather than a proven track.
Her submission form was directly observed as closed as of April 6, 2025; writers must verify current status before querying.
Lately
Her agency submission form was directly observed as closed, indicating she is not actively accepting new queries at this time. Writers should check her agency page for any reopening announcement before submitting.
What Amy is looking for
Her entire confirmed deal record lives here. She is drawn to crime novels that blend literary craft with genuine plot momentum — tight prose, wit, unexpected story turns, and a memorable protagonist. Atmospheric, place-rooted stories (particularly small-town settings) resonate strongly. She has placed authors with both independent crime imprints and major commercial publishers.
Sharp wit paired with mounting dread is her stated sweet spot. She favors domestic thrillers built around a strong female protagonist, layered with unexpected twists rather than genre formula. Confirms as a top priority in her own wishlist language.
She actively welcomes commercial women's fiction and upmarket book-club novels, particularly those with a fresh perspective or an underexplored female experience. A distinctive voice and a protagonist readers can rally around are more important than high concept. Note: this interest is stated but not yet evidenced in her deal record.
Well-researched historical fiction is a genuine enthusiasm, particularly from the 19th century forward. She expects the research to feel inhabited rather than displayed — the period should shape character and plot organically. Listed among her preferred sub-genres.
She considers the literary/upmarket/commercial spectrum fluidly, looking for grounded stories with a vivid sense of place. Small-town settings with fully realized, contemporary characters hold special appeal, which she traces to her own Midwestern background. A compelling protagonist and an unexpected story arc are non-negotiable regardless of the commercial tier.
She is open to nonfiction that immerses readers in a specific culture, lifestyle, discipline, or industry — the kind of project where deep access and a strong authorial perspective drive the read. Proposals must include a full book proposal and sample chapters (first chapter; total sample not to exceed fifty pages). Pop culture and sports are listed as active nonfiction interests.
Not the right fit
On Amy's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Amy
Her form was closed as of early April 2025 — check her agency page directly before attempting to submit, and wait for it to reopen rather than seeking workarounds.
Fiction queries require the first thirty pages and a synopsis attached as Word or PDF documents; do not paste the manuscript into the form body.
Nonfiction queries require a complete book proposal plus sample chapters (beginning with chapter one, capped at fifty pages total); a partial proposal will not suffice.
Her entire confirmed sales record is in crime fiction and atmospheric suspense — if your project fits that territory, you can speak directly to her track record with authors like Allen Eskens or Kimi Cunningham Grant as evidence she understands your genre.
She emphasizes 'most polished work' explicitly; she is a craft-focused reader who values voice and prose precision over a high-concept hook alone.
Small-town settings and a strong sense of place are recurring signals in both her wishlist and her sales — if your novel is rooted in a specific locale, foreground that in your query letter.
She describes herself as a former Midwesterner with a soft spot for that region; fiction set in the American heartland or rural landscapes may resonate particularly well.
Do not submit self-published projects, and do not submit work originally written in a language other than English (translations are acceptable).
Foreign rights inquiries route through Whitney Lee at The Fielding Agency — do not address rights questions in your initial query.