United Kingdom Literary Agents

Commercial non-fiction, self-help, memoir, literary non-fiction

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Building a list of fiction and non-fiction authors with a particular focus on digital-first writers. Specialises in commercial, self-help and literary non-fiction across memoir, mindfulness, interior design and lifestyle. A committed advocate for emerging and diverse writers.

Email - hello@bergstromstudio.co.uk

Crime fiction, thriller, mystery, book club fiction

Adult commercial fiction paired with punchy concepts and irresistible voice. Particularly drawn to psychological thrillers where nothing is as it seems, groundbreaking mysteries that blur genres, and literary crime writing that crosses boundaries. Also actively looking for book club novels with exceptional writing that create emotional resonance, as well as imaginative cross-genre works that blend mystery with horror, romance, or other unexpected combinations.

Send your submission to EdSubmissions@theblairpartnership.com. Include your manuscript or sample pages along with a cover letter outlining your concept and voice.

Literary fiction, non-fiction

Wants: Literary fiction and non-fiction; does not represent science fiction or fantasy (per agent page)

Represents literary fiction and non-fiction. Clients include Sarah Bakewell, Heston Blumenthal, Frank Cottrell Boyce and A.S. Byatt. Also represents the literary estates of Angela Carter, Alasdair Gray and Nancy Mitford.

Email phoebe@rcwlitagency.com

Fiction and select non-fiction

Commercial and book-club fiction, selective romance, thrillers/mystery, different-feeling historical fiction, selective YA, selective non-fiction (popular history/untaught areas, cultural deep-dives, narrative non-fiction). Not children's, not sci-fi, not grisly horror

Submit via the online form on Hannah Schofield's agent page at https://lbabooks.com or agents or hannah-schofield

Fiction and non-fiction

Non-fiction: memoir/autobiography, subject-led expert non-fiction (economics, history, food, fashion, relationships), some thrillers/horror. Fiction: exceptional literary voices, ambitious storytelling, Irish writing, genre with depth

Submit via QueryManager. For non-fiction, prepare a proposal of up to 20 pages including an overview or hook (query letter), chapter outline (synopsis), one to two sample chapters as an attachment, and an author bio with platform. For fiction, prepare a cover letter with a short pitch and author bio, a one-page synopsis, and the first 1,200 words or first two chapters (whichever is shortest) as an attachment. Visit https://www.internationalcreative.agency or submissions to access the QueryManager link.

Genre fiction, ya, translation rights

Genre fiction (SFF/speculative/crime/horror) and YA, atmospheric settings, big hooks, snappy dialogue, gothic romantasy, teen slasher/YA horror, dark academia

Email - sandra@marjacq.com

Picture books, novelty, pre-school, middle grade, narrative non-fiction, general non-fiction, gift, comics, graphic novels, activity books

Exceptional children's book creators, with a particular interest in inventive approaches to familiar themes, passion projects from diverse and exceptional new talents, and innovative formats that push the boundaries of children's publishing. Books that spark curiosity and wonder, especially visually extraordinary objects that reward repeated reading.

Review David Higham's submission guidelines before submitting. Send your work by email to isobelsubmissions@davidhigham.co.uk. If you do not receive a response within twelve weeks, the agent will not be pursuing your work.

Fiction, non-fiction

Fiction: crime/thrillers across commercial-literary, atmospheric/setting-as-character, accessible speculative, ghost stories, folk horror, originality and distinctive voice, humour threaded. Non-fiction: narrative history/prehistory, memoir, nature/landscape, folklore

Email submissions@hardmanswainson.com. For fiction, attach a one-page synopsis and the full manuscript. For non-fiction, attach a proposal and a sample chapter (or the full work if completed). Name your chosen agent in the cover email. Submit to one agent only, do not email individual agent addresses.

Children's authors, children's illustrators

Picture books, fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, illustration

Picture books: full text. Fiction or non-fiction: synopsis and first 3 chapters. Graphic novels: synopsis and full script. Illustrators: PDF portfolio (10 and samples). Via submission form

Authors and illustrators

Whimsical, narrative-led children's illustration and author-illustrator work

Online form - https://thebrightagency.com or uk or submissions or new?division=literary

Fiction, non-fiction

Wide taste, currently especially women's commercial fiction/romance, funny books, untold/queer histories, and diverse voices in narrative food/travel/nature writing

Email submissions@lutyensrubinstein.co.uk with a cover letter, short synopsis, and the first three chapters or approximately 5,000 words.

Authors and illustrators

Children's illustration and author-illustrator work

Online form - https://thebrightagency.com or uk or submissions or new?division=literary

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, romance, crime, thriller, historical fiction, narrative non-fiction, true crime, cookery and food writing

Wants: Commercial to accessible literary fiction; plot-driven stories exploring big emotions; romance; family/friendship sagas; twisty crime/thrillers; grounded dystopian; narrative-led non-fiction (true crime/untold histories etc.)

Plot-driven fiction from commercial to the accessible end of the literary spectrum, including romance and rom-coms (particularly with queer love or interesting backdrops), sweeping family and friendship sagas, unputdownable crime and thriller standalones, upmarket psychological crime, contemporary and historical fiction (especially based on real events, with gothic elements, or focusing on underrepresented lives), narrative non-fiction that reads like fiction, literary true crime, untold histories, accessible books on complex topics, and cookery and food writing with uncomplicated recipes. Keen to hear from authors whose voices are underrepresented in publishing. Not currently taking YA, children's, poetry, fantasy, romantasy, science fiction, diet, or business projects.

Email sian@blakefriedmann.co.uk

Fiction, non-fiction, poetry

Popular science, investigative journalism, history, novels

Email submissions@janklow.co.uk with your name, the title of your work, and 'FAO Will Francis' in the subject line. Include a covering letter in the body of the email. For fiction, attach a synopsis and the first three chapters or first fifty pages. For non-fiction, attach a chapter-by-chapter outline and, if possible, a sample chapter. For poetry, attach a short pitch and 3-5 sample poems. Attachments should be in Word format, PDFs are acceptable. Do not include external links. Notify the agency if you receive a full manuscript request elsewhere.

Fiction and non-fiction

Crime fiction, unputdownable literary and commercial fiction, non-fiction that makes you think/question the world

Email submissions@lutyensrubinstein.co.uk with a covering letter, a short synopsis, and the first three chapters or up to 5,000 words. If you have a particular agent in mind, note this for Susannah Godman. No scripts, no postal submissions.

Fiction and non-fiction

Literary and commercial fiction, children's and YA, non-fiction including memoir/biography, cookery, gardening, humour, history, lifestyle, mind-body-spirit, politics, popular science, psychology, travel

Email - submissions@sheilland.co.uk

Non-fiction, memoir, celebrity memoir, ghostwriting

Brings thirty-five years of editorial experience to help authors realise their vision. Background as an award-winning journalist, author of twenty-one books, and former Articles Editor at Mademoiselle. Has ghostwritten two number one New York Times bestsellers.

Online submission form

Literary fiction, book club fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction

Distinctive voices, strong writing, literary-to-commercial sweet spot, short powerful novels, ambitious intergenerational stories, gothic, historical, some fantasy, experts writing popular science/health/social history

Email a covering letter, a short synopsis, and the first three chapters (or up to 5,000 words) to submissions@lutyensrubinstein.co.uk. If you have a particular agent in mind, let the reader Susannah Godman know. No plays or scripts, do not post unsolicited manuscripts.

Illustrators, author-illustrators, children's illustration, picture books

Wants: Pdf portfolio, website link, art samples

Trade children's book illustrators and author-illustrators, with a focus on visual storytelling, portfolio development, and author-illustrated picture book stories.

Use the official Bright submissions form. Illustrators should upload a PDF portfolio with at least 10 samples and a website or social media link. Author-illustrators should follow the relevant picture book or Middle Grade instructions and include art samples.

Fiction and non-fiction

Commercial and upmarket fiction (book club, crime and thriller, historical, contemporary), commercial women's/romantic fiction, some lifestyle/personal development non-fiction

Email hattiesubmissions@theblairpartnership.com

Literary fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, historical fiction, romantic comedy, gothic, horror, crime, psychological thriller, speculative fiction, ya, middle grade, memoir, narrative non-fiction, true crime

Literary and upmarket commercial fiction of all kinds, especially meditative or moving novels about modern life with warmth and heart alongside sharpness. Historical and period fiction that sheds light on untold stories, ambitious cross-centuries narratives, and historical mysteries. High-concept love stories and romantic comedies with depth. Gothic, horror, murder mysteries, ghost stories, psychological thrillers, speculative and magical realist fiction, and novels with a true-crime feel. A small list of YA and middle grade that feels current and contemporary with a real conversation at its core — not currently seeking fantasy or anything younger than middle grade. On the non-fiction side: memoirs of extraordinary people, narrative non-fiction on subjects the author is passionate about, books on mental health, untold stories across popular science, history and popular culture, and a brilliant true crime book. Particularly keen on LGBTQI+ stories and diverse voices from across the globe. Not currently looking for cookery, wellness, or lifestyle.

Email submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk with your covering letter in the body of the email. Include the agent's name in the subject line. Fiction: attach the first three chapters or around fifty pages plus a one-to-two page synopsis that reveals the ending, as Word documents. Non-fiction: attach three sample chapters or around fifty pages plus a chapter summary or synopsis, and explain why you are best placed to write the book and who the intended readership is. AI-generated or AI-edited content is not accepted. No postal submissions.

Literary fiction, narrative non-fiction

Unusual stories grounded in the real world but with strange and surreal elements, with a focus on human relationships, queer characters and alternative culture. Diverse and unexpected perspectives that offer new ways of seeing and have something urgent to say about the contemporary world. Particularly interested in debut writers.

Email submissions@rebeccacarterliterary.com with the subject line 'Submission: [your name] [TITLE OF SUBMISSION]'. Address the submission to Tilda (not both Tilda and Rebecca). Include a covering letter in the body of the email. For fiction, attach the first three chapters or up to 10,000 words plus a short synopsis. For non-fiction, attach a detailed proposal and, if possible, a sample chapter. Attach files as Word documents or PDFs, do not include external links. Typescript should be 1.5 or double spaced with page numbers. Files should be saved as '[your name] [TITLE OF SUBMISSION] [document type]'.

Non-fiction

See source page for more info

Submit work to submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk, marking the subject line for the attention of one literary agent. For fiction, send the first three chapters or fifty pages together with a short synopsis as Microsoft Word compatible attachments, along with a cover letter including a book description, previous writing credits or qualifications if applicable, and a brief biographical note. For narrative non-fiction, send a short overview and up to ten thousand words of sample writing. For subject-led non-fiction, send a proposal of approximately five thousand words outlining the book and your credentials, along with no less than five thousand words of sample writing. Include details of simultaneous submissions or other agent interest. Ensure contact information is provided.

Children's books

Actively seeking new clients, MG adventure/series potential, YA romance and fantasy, horror/monster stories, contemporary teen, queer/found-family, SFF across YA/new adult (not grimdark)

Email - childrens@darleyanderson.com

Fiction, non-fiction

All genres with 'wow' factor, voice-driven/emotional, currently seeking an exquisitely written love story, not accepting children's/YA at present

Email submissions@mariannegunnoconnor.com with your name and book title in the subject line. For fiction, include a brief bio, three chapters or fifty pages if chapters are short, a synopsis, and a one-line summary. For non-fiction, send a full proposal and a sample chapter. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable but notify the agency if you receive interest elsewhere.

Adult and children's, picture books, illustrators

Adult and children's chapter books, picture books (text only), illustration

Chapter books: synopsis and first chapter (if under 3 chapters, send whole manuscript). Picture books: text only. Illustrators: samples

Non-fiction

Sport, current affairs, military history, history, biography, business and management, personal development, and other non-fiction

Email a description of the proposed book, a contents list, two or three chapters, and the author's credentials to info@robertdudleyagency.co.uk. Submissions should be in Word format rather than PDF.

Children's writers and illustrators (agent)

Strong, sharp storytelling with humour and adventure, not currently accepting picture book texts

Email

Fiction and non-fiction, estates

Fiction: originality/style, literary to commercial, imaginative setting, strong voice, compelling premise, active SFF list, high concept, intelligent crime/thrillers, genre-transcending. Not taking new YA/children's, no plays/film scripts. Non-fiction: politics, narrative history, sport, natural history, quirky memoir, popular culture, inventive angles

Email - ed@johnsonandalcock.co.uk

Visit agent's website for details

See source page for more info

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. French-language submissions go to paris@susannalea.com, UK, ANZ, and Commonwealth submissions to london@susannalea.com, North American submissions to ny@susannalea.com. Do not submit to more than one office. Postal and fax submissions are not accepted.

Fiction, non-fiction, memoir, popular science, historical fiction, crime, thrillers

See source page for more info

Send a submission package to london@susannalea.com. See the submissions page for more details on how to submit to the London office.

Fiction, non-fiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, CV, first 3 chapters or 50 pages

Fiction and non-fiction, literary and commercial. He enjoys unexpected stories that transport him somewhere strange and wonderful. Specific fiction interests include strong commercial genre fiction, noir-ish thrillers, spy fiction, gritty crime, saga, romance and romantic comedy, alongside original reading-group fiction. In non-fiction, he seeks strong narrative voices in memoir and history, and big ideas or smart thinking that reveal the world or suggest how it could be different.

Email submissions@sheilland.co.uk with Piers Blofeld, the book's genre and title in the subject line. Submit one work at a time, mention other works in the cover letter and send your strongest. Include a concise typed cover letter with a short synopsis and a brief introduction explaining why and how long you have written and whether you write in other genres or categories. For non-fiction, explain your choice of subject and suitability to write it. For fiction, include a one-page synopsis covering the full story, significant twists and ending, for non-fiction, a brief outline covering the subject, market position and your qualifications. Include a short CV of relevant qualifications and previous publications, plus the first three chapters OR around 50 typed pages. Wait for a request before sending the full manuscript. Use at least 1.5 line spacing, margins and pagination. Give the actual word count for completed works or an estimated word count for proposals. For self-published work, state availability, copies sold and remaining rights or territories. Do not post original artwork or photographs. Submissions that have used AI technology are not accepted.

Personal development, professional development, health, medicine, business, science

Jeff represents authors sharing insights about personal and professional development, health and medicine, business, and the sciences. He seeks books that help readers grow by providing new knowledge, perspectives, and tools to change their lives.

Send a proposal and sample chapter by email to info@curiousmindsagency.com. The agency notes it cannot respond to every submission due to volume.

Fantasy, speculative fiction, romantasy, ya, adult fiction, satire

Safae represents adult, YA, and crossover fiction with a focus on fantasy, speculative fiction, romantasy, and satire. She is drawn to dynamic, voice-driven narratives that carry a sense of urgency—stories that are emotionally impactful with a strong hook and smart-mouthed dialogue. She enjoys both dark, gritty narratives and quirky, offbeat stories, as well as fresh spins on familiar tropes such as enemies-to-lovers, fake relationships, and forbidden love. She also supports translators working from languages of the Global Majority. She is not looking for poetry, short story collections, novellas, picture books, middle grade fiction, or memoirs.

Email: safae@rcwlitagency.com

Literary fiction, contemporary fiction, upmarket fiction, book club fiction, fantasy, horror, young adult, crossover

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first three chapters

Clara Foster wants intelligent, original fiction with deep emotion, strong line-level writing, and voice-led characters. She is looking for adult literary contemporary fiction with a strong female focus, upmarket and book club novels that are cleverly conceived, beautifully written, and accessible, fantasy and horror that explore the real world or the self, historical romantasy, urban fantasy, academic settings, body horror, lightly speculative fiction, and YA/crossover stories that are political while providing a strong story. She is not a likely fit for commercial women's fiction, science fiction, World War II or Holocaust stories, or narratives driven primarily by sexual assault, eating disorders, a great lie, or death of a child. She is not accepting nonfiction except by referral.

Submit via Clara Foster's official QueryTracker link from her submissions page. Send a query letter, synopsis, and first three chapters. All queries will receive a response.

Fiction, non-fiction

Wants: All genres (agency-wide; see submissions page)

Fiction and non-fiction across all genres

Email an enquiry, synopsis, and first three chapters to submissions@artellusltd.co.uk. No postal submissions accepted.