David Dunton is a Harvey Klinger agent whose deal record spans commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, and select genre work — a practical generalist with a track record of placing books across a wide range of categories.
In brief
David Dunton operates out of Harvey Klinger, a boutique New York agency with decades of industry relationships across major publishers and imprints.
The available public record on Dunton's deals is sparse, which makes their stated wishlist and agency page the primary guidance for writers deciding whether to query.
Harvey Klinger as a whole skews toward commercial, accessible writing — literary experimentation for its own sake tends not to be the house's sweet spot.
Because Dunton's individual sales record is limited in the available data, writers should weight the agency's general positioning and Dunton's own stated interests equally.
Query status was observed as open in April 2026, but writers should verify the live submission form before sending anything, as windows can shift without notice.
Lately
Dunton's query status was confirmed open through the Harvey Klinger agency's submission process in mid-April 2026, indicating active interest in new projects.
What David is looking for
Dunton is receptive to fiction with broad reader appeal — stories that combine strong narrative momentum with characters readers genuinely root for. Think accessible, plot-driven writing that doesn't require a literary pedigree to enjoy.
Well-researched, story-driven nonfiction with a compelling central subject or argument. Dunton gravitates toward books that read with the pace and texture of good reportage or memoir rather than academic treatise.
Personal narratives anchored by a distinct voice and a story with universal resonance. A compelling 'why this, why now' case is essential — the subject alone is rarely sufficient.
Plot-driven suspense with genuine stakes. Dunton is part of an agency that has historically placed commercial thrillers, so a well-constructed, page-turning manuscript in this space is worth considering.
Not the right fit
On David's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query David
Harvey Klinger uses a centralized online submission form — address your query directly to David Dunton by name to ensure it routes correctly.
Lead with genre, word count, and a one-paragraph hook before summarizing the full plot or concept; Dunton is at a commercial agency where clarity and marketability signal matter from the first line.
For fiction, include the first pages or sample chapters if the form allows — a strong opening does more work than a detailed synopsis.
For nonfiction, a crisp platform statement is important; demonstrate why you are the right person to write this book and who the built-in audience is.
Do not query multiple Harvey Klinger agents simultaneously for the same project — the agency typically asks that you query one agent at a time.
Verify the current query status and any submission guidelines on the Harvey Klinger website before sending, as requirements and windows can update without broad announcement.