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United Kingdom Literary Agents

Literary agents based in the United Kingdom. Browse verified listings with submission guidelines, open status, and direct links to agency websites.

528 agents · 306 currently open to submissions

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Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, commercial fiction, book club fiction, thriller, literary memoir, narrative nonfiction, commercial nonfiction, cookery, food writing

Wants: Non-fiction that informs understanding of world/society; life writing; topical/essayistic; cookery/food; experts writing accessibly. fiction: 'what if' novels; incisive/witty; moral dilemmas; fun romantic reads. not children/YA; not historical fiction; not adult sf/fantasy

Looking for

Sile Edwards is a literary agent at Andrew Nurnberg Associates building a list across adult fiction and non-fiction, with a focus on perspectives that have historically been excluded from the mainstream. She has worked on cookery and food writing, literary memoir, historical biography, commercial non-fiction, contemporary and commercial fiction, and thriller. She is not the right agent for children's or young adult writing, or for adult historical fiction, science fiction or fantasy.

How to submit

Submit through the Andrew Nurnberg Associates submissions page and follow the agency guidelines, naming Sile Edwards as your chosen agent. Do not approach the agency generally.

Last checked 25 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, book club fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, cookery, feminist fiction, feminist nonfiction

Wants: Literary/book club/upmarket commercial fiction; historical and women's fiction; open to speculative and romance crossovers; non-fiction that surprises/challenges; cookery/food writing; feminist narratives; underrepresented voices. not seeking children's/YA, crime, thriller or horror.

Looking for

Laurie Robertson is an agent at Peters Fraser and Dunlop building a list of adult fiction and non-fiction. She is actively looking for literary, book club and upmarket commercial fiction with strong original voices, uplifting narratives, clever storytelling, strong emotional hooks and complex characters. On non-fiction she wants stories that surprise and challenge, narrative non-fiction that reads like fiction, and cookery from food writers who can transport the reader. She is always keen on feminist narratives across fiction and non-fiction and on voices from underrepresented backgrounds. She is not currently looking for children's or young adult, crime, thriller or horror.

How to submit

Email one agent or assistant only, include a cover letter, full synopsis, and first 3 chapters or approximately 50 pages for fiction, or a detailed proposal for non-fiction. Find contact details at https://petersfraserdunlop.com or our-team/

Last checked 25 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, saga, romance, historical fiction, book club fiction, up-lit, literary fiction, lgbtq fiction, lgbtq nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, popular science, psychology, history, sport

Wants: Covering letter, first three chapters, synopsis, detailed proposal

Looking for

Laura MacDougall is a literary agent at United Agents with a broad and eclectic list across adult fiction and non-fiction. She represents commercial fiction including saga, romance, historical, book club and up-lit, and literary fiction ranging from the quirky to the daring and experimental, with a particular love of historical fiction and novels about relationships and family life. As a queer woman she represents many LGBTQ writers and is keen to hear from LGBTQ authors across fiction and non-fiction. In non-fiction she wants big ideas books and narrative non-fiction across popular science, psychology and culture, sport, history, and race, class, gender, sexuality and identity. She does not represent young adult or children's books, science fiction, fantasy or horror, Mind Body Spirit non-fiction, or cookery and food writing.

How to submit

Submit through United Agents naming Laura MacDougall. For fiction send the first three chapters and a synopsis. For non-fiction send a detailed proposal.

Last checked 25 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction and non-fiction

Looking for

Romance, upmarket crime/thrillers, uncanny/eerie/weird literary, gothic/supernatural elements, voiced historical, memoir and narrative non-fiction, health/wellbeing proposals from experts

How to submit

Email submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk with the full manuscript, synopsis, and a cover letter naming Judith Murray as the preferred agent in the subject line

Last checked 24 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Historical thrillers, literary fiction, upmarket genre fiction, book club fiction, science writing, food writing, history, nature writing, music journalism, memoir, cultural criticism

Wants: Contemporary crime and thrillers; historical fiction (esp historical crime); books with a fresh angle/clear identity; non-fiction on any subject with a strong angle and page-turning storytelling

Looking for

Contemporary crime and thrillers, historical fiction and historical crime, upmarket and literary fiction with a fresh or distinctive angle, voices from marginalised or underrepresented communities, and non-fiction on any subject where the author has found the right angle and can make the material a page-turning story

How to submit

Email submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk with covering letter in the body of the email. Fiction: attach first three chapters or around fifty pages plus a one-to-two page synopsis that reveals the ending. Non-fiction: attach three sample chapters or around fifty pages plus a chapter breakdown or synopsis. Attach files as Word documents, not PDFs. Include preferred agent name in the subject line.

Last checked 24 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction

Looking for

Character-driven debuts, sweeping stories with big universal themes, high concepts, thought-provoking, uplifting, original narrative voices, emotional journeys. Not: sci-fi, fantasy, children/YA, poetry, plays, screenplays, short stories/novellas, any non-fiction

How to submit

Read each agent's profile and only submit to one agent from DHH. Follow the individual agent's submission guidelines. Do not submit via phone or the general enquiries email.

Last checked 24 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, historical fiction, literary thrillers, crime, gothic horror, speculative fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels

Looking for

Literary and upmarket fiction/non-fiction, genre-bending/speculative-adjacent literary, literary historical, family novels, literary thrillers/crime, gothic horror edges, non-fiction art/music/aging/neurodiversity/psychotherapy/sport/science, graphic novels

How to submit

Submit by email following DHA's submissions guidelines at https://davidhigham.co.uk or submissions/

Last checked 24 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Narrative non-fiction, literary fiction

Looking for

Narrative non-fiction with strong writing (science/nature/landscape/anthropology/history/politics/philosophy/gender/health/myth, environmentally aware). Internationally relevant literary fiction, character-led, warm/life-affirming or dark, lasting impression

How to submit

Email jessicawoollard@davidhigham.co.uk and esmebright@davidhigham.co.uk — submissions should be sent to both the agent and her assistant Esme Bright

Last checked 24 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Children's (mg or ya or crossover), adult commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction

Looking for

Genre fiction and crossover children's, boy-led MG, teen fiction, graphic novel/illustrated MG or younger YA, quirky fantasy, dark/off-beat romantic comedy, domestic noir, cultural history/narrative non-fiction with strong voice

How to submit

Email submissions@nurnberg.co.uk with a cover letter in the body of the email, a one-page synopsis and first three chapters or up to 50 pages as attachments. Mark the subject line FAO Gyamfia Osei. For non-fiction, send an overview, chapter outlines, and three sample chapters.

Last checked 24 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Non-fiction and children's fiction

Wants: Covering letter, synopsis, book proposal, first three chapters, sample pages

Looking for

History, philosophy, biography, outstanding nature writing with compelling memoir, experts overturning received wisdom

How to submit

Use the online portal and address the submission to a specific agent. Fiction: covering letter, one-page synopsis, and first three chapters (maximum 10,000 words). Subject-led non-fiction: covering letter, proposal of no more than 20 pages, and about 5,000 words of sample text. Narrative non-fiction or memoir: covering letter and the first 10,000 words, a proposal or synopsis may also be included. The agency is currently not accepting fantasy, romantasy, SFF, children's or YA submissions.

Last checked 23 Aug 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Reading group fiction, crime, thriller, psychological fiction, literary fiction, fantasy, historical fiction

Wants: Covering letter, synopsis, first three chapters, first 10, 000-15, 000 words, first fifty pages

Looking for

Reading group fiction, crime and thriller, psychological novels, high-concept hooks, novels that feel ambitious and international, page-turners with a lot of twists and turns

How to submit

Email submissions@mushens-entertainment.com with a clear subject line (e.g. Fiction Submission: TITLE), the cover letter in the body of the email, a synopsis as an attachment, and a PDF or Word document containing either the first three chapters, the first 10,000 to 15,000 words, or the first 50 pages. Address the email to Juliet.

Last checked 23 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Non-fiction

Looking for

Commercial and upmarket non-fiction, psychology, popular science, wellbeing, narrative non-fiction, biography, food, sustainability, health, expert-led projects with international/screen potential

How to submit

Email rachel@rmliterary.co.uk with as much detail about yourself and the project as possible, ideally including at least one sample chapter. No reply within one month means the project was not a fit.

Last checked 23 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, speculative fiction, horror, magical realism, mythology reimaginings, fairy tale reimaginings, folklore reimaginings, cultural criticism, narrative nonfiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, food writing, short story collections, novellas

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first three chapters

Looking for

Literary and upmarket fiction, speculative fiction, horror, magical realism, and reimaginings of myths, fairy tales, and folklore. Also cultural criticism, narrative nonfiction, big-idea nonfiction, and select cookbooks and food writing. Maria is the only agent at the agency who accepts novellas and short story collections.

How to submit

Email submissions@mushens-entertainment.com with your submission addressed to Maria. For fiction, include a clear subject line (e.g. Fiction Submission: TITLE), a cover letter in the body of the email, an attached synopsis, and a PDF or Word document containing either the first three chapters, the first 10,000–15,000 words, or the first 50 pages. For non-fiction, include a proposal or the first 10,000–15,000 words of a completed manuscript. For short story collections (40,000–75,000 words total), include a synopsis and the full collection. For novellas (17,000–40,000 words), include a synopsis. Do not use AI to write or edit any part of your submission. Notify the agency if another agent requests your full manuscript or offers representation.

Last checked 23 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction

Looking for

See source page for more info

How to submit

Email submissions@paperliterary.com with the agent's name, manuscript title, and your full name in the subject line. Include your query letter in the body of the email, and attach a one-page synopsis and the first three chapters (approximately 10,000 words) as Word documents. Address the email to Catherine Cho specifically.

Last checked 23 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Authors and author-illustrators (children's)

Wants: Represents a small list of acclaimed authors and author-illustrators; see agency author list. initial enquiry triggers auto-responder with current guidelines and the submission address.

Looking for

Authors and author-illustrators producing children's books, both unpublished and established writers seeking representation

How to submit

Email enquiries@eddisonpearson.com with a brief enquiry. An auto-responder will reply with the current submission address and guidelines. Send your submission to that address, you should receive an acknowledgement within 24 hours. If not, call the agency directly.

Last checked 23 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Visit agent's website for details

Looking for

See source page for more info

How to submit

Email the appropriate regional office with a concise cover letter (including contact details and relevant background), a brief synopsis, and either the first three chapters or a detailed proposal. Do not submit to more than one office. Paris: paris@susannalea.com, New York: ny@susannalea.com, London: london@susannalea.com. No postal or fax submissions accepted.

Last checked 23 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction and narrative non-fiction

Looking for

General fiction, book club, literary fiction, smart clean or lyrical prose, interesting form/structure, character-driven with unusual protagonists, stories exploring gender/race/class/sexuality, selective memoir/nature/social commentary

How to submit

Email a concise cover letter with contact details and relevant background, a brief synopsis, and either the first three chapters or a detailed proposal to london@susannalea.com. Do not submit to more than one office.

Last checked 23 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Non-fiction and select fiction

Looking for

Non-fiction: compelling narrative history, ideas books on urgent questions, absorbing biography and memoir, pop culture, humour, and entertainment. Fiction: memorable characters on gripping journeys, principally crime or literary-commercial crossover. Not considering children's, YA, sci-fi/fantasy, or screenplays

How to submit

Send your work and a covering letter to wiseofficesubmissions@curtisbrown.co.uk. Gordon Wise and his team are taking on only a couple of fiction writers a year. They are not considering submissions for Children's, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, or screenplays. If you have not heard back within four to six weeks, this means they are unable to offer representation.

Last checked 23 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, crime fiction, non-fiction

Looking for

Well-written commercial and literary fiction (incl women's fiction, award-winning crime, upmarket), interested in dysfunctional families, outsiders, messiness, working-class/regional voices (Irish/Scottish), diverse perspectives. Non-fiction: housing, class, feminism, social change, globalisation, sexuality and similar areas

How to submit

Email - submissions@ryeliterary.com

Last checked 23 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction and narrative non-fiction

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first three chapters or detailed proposal

Looking for

Remarkable writing, fresh voices, and underrepresented perspectives across a range of fiction and non-fiction genres.

How to submit

Email a concise cover letter including contact details and relevant background, a brief synopsis, and either the first three chapters or a detailed proposal to london@susannalea.com. Do not submit to more than one office.

Last checked 21 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Nonfiction, lifestyle, current affairs, health, sport, true crime, family issues, crime, thriller, book club fiction, historical fiction, romance

Wants: Synopsis, first three chapters, covering letter, detailed outline, sample material

Looking for

Katie Fulford is looking for authors in both nonfiction and fiction. In nonfiction she wants experts and journalists with something new to say, especially in lifestyle, current affairs, health, sport, smart true crime, and books about female and family issues that put women at the heart of things. In fiction she wants high-concept and hooky crime and thriller, commercial locked-room thrillers, emotional uplit, book club books with big issues, memorable characters and immersive settings, historical fiction about forgotten real people or people connected to more famous figures, and romance. She does not want fantasy, science fiction, children's fiction, or picture books.

How to submit

Email submissions@belllomaxmoreton.co.uk. For fiction, children's and young adult fiction, or narrative nonfiction, send a short synopsis including the full plot for fiction, the first three chapters or no more than 50 pages double spaced, and a covering letter with any previous publications. For illustrated nonfiction send a detailed outline, sample material if available, and previous publication information. Query one Bell Lomax Moreton agent at a time.

Last checked 21 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, ya, adult romance, adult romantasy, adult fantasy

Looking for

Extraordinary, diverse stories, strong preference for underrepresented voices, see on-site wishlist for specifics (MG/YA, adult romance/romantasy/fantasy etc.)

How to submit

Submit via QueryManager at http://querymanager.com or aliceashliterary, or by email to submissions@ashliterary.com. Do not submit via both routes simultaneously.

Last checked 21 Aug 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Speculative fiction (sff or fantasy or horror or romantasy etc.)

Looking for

Speculative fiction broadly: epic/urban/historical fantasy, SF (space opera/near future), horror (folklore/gothic), weird/high-concept, action/adventure/espionage, underrepresented voices

How to submit

Email submission@bell-lomax.co.uk with a short synopsis covering the entire plot, the first three chapters (no more than 50 pages, double spaced), and a covering letter including details of any previously published work. Do not address submissions to more than one agent.

Last checked 21 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction and non-fiction

Looking for

Page-turners, clever, gripping stories with complicated/flawed characters, relationship-driven fiction, YA/NA fantasy, millennial and audience, underrepresented voices, environmental/social issues

How to submit

Submit via the online form at https://amheath.com or submissions. Use submissions@amheath.com only for following up after 6 weeks with no response, notifying of an offer, sending requested full manuscripts, or submitting cookery or illustrated children's titles.

Last checked 19 Aug 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Children's fiction, ya, adult fiction, non-fiction

Looking for

Eclectic, currently: upmarket contemporary, friendships, thoughtful sci-fi/fantasy, sweeping love stories, darkly magical, humorous, memoir/essays (occasional). Avoids gritty/harrowing crime, no picture books or poetry

How to submit

Email the first three chapters, a 1-2 page synopsis including the full plot outline and ending, and a covering letter (Word format preferred) to submissions.bryony@bryonywoods.co.uk. The covering letter should describe the book, include a short author biography, and note any previous writing experience.

Last checked 19 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Children's fiction, middle grade, ya, adult fiction

Looking for

Children: singular/underrepresented voices, powerful ideas. Adult: commercial women's fiction, uplit, sagas, romance (contemporary, romcom, historical)

How to submit

Email catherine@marjacq.com with a covering letter in the body of the email, the first fifty pages of the manuscript and a synopsis (for fiction) attached as Word or PDF documents, with total file size not exceeding 2MB.

Last checked 19 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction and narrative non-fiction

Looking for

Fiction (adult and YA), literary and commercial, narrative non-fiction; strong voices and stories with narrative drive. Not: children's, genre sci-fi/fantasy, poetry, scripts

How to submit

Email a short covering letter, a one or two page synopsis, and the first three chapters of your completed manuscript to info@christinegreen.co.uk. Exclusive submissions preferred, if submitting to multiple agents and you receive an offer before hearing back, notify them promptly.

Last checked 18 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Fantasy, speculative fiction, romantic fantasy, romantic fiction, general fiction, literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, cookery

Looking for

Grounded fantasy with light magical elements edging toward speculative or dystopic, with exceptionally strong world-building. Romantic fantasy with compelling protagonists, particularly a queer male lead or a non-binary/gender-neutral vampire story. Romantic fiction with a strong USP, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, competitive settings, and crossover with horror or crime. General fiction exploring friendship over time, sibling relationships, ensemble casts, and modern loose retellings of classics or plays — especially an own-voices retelling of The Crucible from Abigail Williams' perspective. In non-fiction: narrative memoir with a fresh angle, pop and fan culture exploring why topics trend online, and cookbooks from authors with strong social media platforms.

How to submit

Email submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk with your covering letter in the body of the email and attachments as Word Documents. Include Mia Dakin's name in the subject line. Fiction: first three chapters or around fifty pages plus a one-to-two page synopsis that reveals the ending. Non-fiction: three sample chapters or around fifty pages plus a proposed chapter summary, your reasons for writing the book, and your intended readership. AI-generated or AI-edited submissions are not accepted.

Last checked 15 Aug 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, narrative non-fiction

Looking for

Thrillers, mystery, suspense, knotty relationship and family novels, big-ideas non-fiction, memoir, pop science, food writing. Not children's or YA.

How to submit

Email emma.submissions@cwagency.co.uk with the first three chapters (or approximately 50 pages) and a synopsis for fiction, or a 30-page proposal for non-fiction, plus a covering letter. Attach files in .doc or .docx format. Do not submit to more than one agent.

Last checked 14 Aug 2026Via Email

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