United Kingdom Literary Agents

Fiction and narrative non-fiction

Fiction: literary and genre including historical/speculative/crime/romance, distinctive voice/worldbuilding, moral dilemmas, families/relationships, darkness and humour. Non-fiction: history/memoir/current affairs/cultural criticism/popular science/travel/food, experts with surprising takes

Email anna@johnsonandalcock.co.uk with a short covering letter including a blurb and author info. For fiction, include a synopsis of no more than two pages and the opening 50 pages. For non-fiction, include a proposal with introduction, chapter breakdown, and sample material totalling around 50 pages. Attachments in Word .doc or .docx format, at least 1.5 line spaced, page-numbered, A4. Submit to one agent only, do not blind-copy.

Picture books, young fiction, children's fiction, middle grade

Picture books and young fiction, classic storytelling for 8-12 across genres, not right agent for YA

Email jhodges@unitedagents.co.uk

Literary fiction and narrative non-fiction

Literary fiction with distinctive/off-kilter voice, high-concept literary, realist novels exploring moral/philosophical/political questions, non-fiction bold voices, investigative/essayistic work, cultural histories, literary true crime

Email - seren@lexingtonliterary.co.uk

Children's authors and illustrators

Children's fiction and non-fiction across all ages, with a particular love for picture books, and authors and illustrators across fiction and non-fiction for all ages

Email penny@holroydecartey.com with a cover letter. Authors: attach synopsis and full manuscript as separate Word files labelled with title and author name, picture book authors may send up to three finished texts, non-fiction authors should include a CV, three-page proposal, and market analysis. Illustrators: send a portfolio of around 12 images as JPEG or PDF, maximum 5MB, do not send links to websites or file transfer services. Submit to either Claire or Penny, not both.

Non-fiction

Sport, celebrity biography, business and leadership, food-writing, nature-writing, lifestyle. Does not represent fiction, poetry, scripts, or screenplays

Email admin@davidluxtonassociates.co.uk with: a synopsis of around 300 words explaining the book and its audience and why you are qualified to write it, a chapter breakdown showing how you will approach the subject, a sample chapter of your choice, and a short biography including any previous writing credits.

Historical fiction, crime fiction, psychological thrillers, women's fiction, adult fiction

Historical fiction, crime fiction, psychological thrillers and women's fiction, open to great adult fiction with a strong hook. Excludes non-fiction, children's and YA. Encourages under-represented writers from the North of England

Email submissions@liverpool-literary.agency with a cover email including details about you, the book genre, blurb, inspirations, comparable authors and titles, and why your book will stand out. Attach a synopsis and first three chapters or first 5,000 words in a Word document with numbered pages.

Fiction, non-fiction, children's, ya

New adult voices in most genres (except women's fiction), domestic thrillers, clever drama with a twist, accessible non-fiction, children's 9+ and YA

Email hicksoffice@sophiehicksagency.com with covering letter in the body of the email and sample pages attached as a Word or PDF document. Fiction: synopsis and first three chapters or approximately 50 pages. Non-fiction: detailed outline and at least one sample chapter.

Fiction

Mystery, suspense, thrillers, crime, book club fiction, grounded speculative/high-concept (no high fantasy), stories with escapism, strong series characters, ensemble casts, nature-as-character settings

Online form - https://darleyanderson.com or submissions/

Literary fiction

See source page for more info

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.

Children's fiction, children's non-fiction, picture books, illustration

Author/illustrator proposals for picture books, young fiction and non-fiction, illustration with creative brand-building potential beyond publishing

Email claire@holroydecartey.com with a cover letter. Authors: attach synopsis and full manuscript as separate Word files named with title and author name. Picture book authors: up to three finished texts. Non-fiction authors: CV, three-page proposal, and market analysis. Illustrators: portfolio of around a dozen images as JPEG or PDF up to 5MB. Do not submit to both agents.

Talking point, uplifting, speculative, historical, women's fiction, saga, book club

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first 3 chapters or 50 pages

Sarah is building a list of bold, voice-driven book club, women's fiction, historical fiction, reading group fiction and commercially accessible stories with emotional depth.

Submit via the Darley Anderson online submissions portal. Include a cover letter, one-page synopsis, and the first three chapters or first 50 pages or 10,000 words.

Fiction, dark romance, new adult, women's fiction, romantasy, romance, rom-com

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first 3 chapters or 50 pages

Rebeka is building a commercial romance and romantasy list, with romance at the heart of the narrative and a focus on bold, fresh storytelling from underrepresented backgrounds.

Submit via the Darley Anderson online submissions portal. Include a cover letter, one-page synopsis, and the first three chapters or first 50 pages or 10,000 words.

Mystery, romantic suspense, psychological suspense, speculative, crime, thriller, horror, book club

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first 3 chapters or 50 pages

Jade represents adult commercial fiction, especially thriller, suspense, horror, book club fiction, romantic suspense and speculative fiction with a darker edge.

Submit via the Darley Anderson online submissions portal. Include a cover letter, one-page synopsis, and the first three chapters or first 50 pages or 10,000 words.

Action or adventure, chapter book, diversity, funny, graphic novels, illustrated fiction, underrepresented voices, picture book, non-fiction

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first 3 chapters or 20 pages, proposal for non-fiction

Lorna is looking for illustration-led children's books including board books, picture books, chapter books, highly illustrated fiction, graphic novels and non-fiction.

Email Lorna directly at lorna@darleyanderson.com. For novels, send the first three chapters or first twenty pages plus a one-page synopsis. Picture book writers may send up to three full texts. Non-fiction submissions should include a proposal, full chapter list and up to three sample chapters.

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, crime, thrillers, narrative nonfiction, nature writing, travel, history, anthropology, art, memoir, environment

Voice-driven fiction that introduces readers to different perspectives and singular narrators, beautifully written literary fiction with a strong sense of place, and commercial crime and thrillers that keep the reader on the edge of their seats. Narrative nonfiction that straddles genre, especially nature writing, travel, history, anthropology, art and the environment. Memoir and books by experts and specialists. Would love to find a compelling all-consuming love story, or a food writer of the calibre of Bill Buford or Anthony Bourdain. Does not represent children's, YA or fantasy fiction.

Submissions are currently closed until 1st April 2026. When open, submit by email to sophie.lambert@cwagency.co.uk.

Literary fiction, fiction, nonfiction, memoir

An engrossing literary novel, a funny and compelling novel about family dynamics, expert-led nonfiction, and memoir that makes you rethink your place in the world.

Currently closed to submissions. When open, send the first three chapters and a synopsis for fiction, or a draft proposal for non-fiction, to convilleoffice@cwagency.co.uk. Does not represent children's, YA, gift, or humour books. Do not submit directly to Clare or Lizzie — submissions sent that way will not receive a response.

Adult and children's books

Small list across adult and children's. Not taking new clients

Email submissions via https://rcwlitagency.com or submissions/

Literary fiction, reading group fiction, memoir, pop culture, narrative non-fiction, essays

Romcoms/relationship dynamics, memoir with strong emotional response, nature and pop culture writing, occasional illustrated books (graphic novels/cookery/photo/gift)

Email queries@lewinsohnliterary.com with your submission. Fiction: include a covering letter, synopsis, and 50 pages (or nearest natural break) in Word format. Non-fiction: include a covering letter, an introduction to the project, a basic chapter breakdown, and a sample chapter, ideally in Word format (PDF accepted where highly illustrated).

Children's fiction (toddler to teenage) and illustrators

Children's fiction (toddler to teenage)

The agency is no longer accepting new submissions.

Fiction and non-fiction

Beautifully written but accessible fiction, darker book club with suspense, crime/thrillers, accessible horror, speculative/dystopian, smart contemporary romcom, selective non-fiction (pop science/psychology, narrative history, true crime, investigative)

Email marilia@theplotagency.com when open to submissions

Fiction and non-fiction

Represents novelists, historians, popular culture and current affairs writers. Also works with professional ghostwriters and has experience forming successful author-ghostwriter partnerships.

The agency is currently not considering unsolicited submissions. Do not send material by post or email.

Commercial fiction, contemporary fiction, reading group fiction, historical fiction, saga, police procedural, crime, thriller, psychological suspense, narrative non-fiction, cookery, health and wellbeing, parenting, nature, travel

Fiction across contemporary (funny/romantic/moving/high-concept), reading group, historical, saga, police procedural/crime/thriller/psychological suspense, character-led storytelling (incl unreliable narrators). Non-fiction: cookery, health/wellbeing, parenting, nature, travel, female focus, narrative non-fiction with humour and poignance

Submit via the online form at https://amheath.com or submissions — include a covering letter (max 500 words), a synopsis (max 1,500 words), and the first 10,000 words of your manuscript. Rebecca is currently on maternity leave, submit to a colleague instead. Email submissions@amheath.com only if another agent has requested the full manuscript, you have received an offer of representation, you have not heard back within 6 weeks, or you are submitting a cookery proposal or illustrated children's book.

Estates (executor)

Wants: Synopsis, three chapters, covering letter

Ann Evans is Executor to the Estates of Doris Lessing and Elizabeth Jane Howard. She represented Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln, authors of The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail. She is not currently accepting submissions.

Ann Evans is not currently accepting submissions.

Middle grade fiction, middle grade non-fiction, ya, teen fiction

Middle Grade fiction for ages 7+ and 9+, Middle Grade non-fiction including biographies and handbooks, and teen and Young Adult fiction for ages 12+, 14+, and 16+. All genres and sub-genres considered within these age ranges. Writers must be based primarily in the UK or Europe.

Submissions are currently closed. When open, submit via the online form at http://www.the-bia.com or submissions. Include the opening 50 pages or 3 chapters as a Word document, a synopsis of no more than one side of A4 (fiction), or a detailed 2-page proposal (non-fiction), plus book title, intended readership, and a brief author biography. Files must be labelled with full title and author name, sent as Word documents only, in standard formatting, single line spacing, 12-point font. One submission per writer.

Horror, fantasy, suspense, thrillers, romantasy, romance

Jenny is currently looking for clients she can co-rep with her colleague James Mustelier. They are seeking all kinds of high concept genre fiction for adults and young adults: horror, fantasy, suspense/thriller, romantasy, and romance. Of particular interest are authors who have successfully been working in the indie space and are now looking to transition into traditional or hybrid publishing, and submissions from BIPOC authors are additionally welcomed. Jenny tends to prefer plot-driven books with strong pacing, novels with an element of magic or fantasy, and stories that are dark and weird in content but traditional in structure and storytelling — she is not the right fit for books with overtly political or extremely complicated plotlines.

Email your chosen agent at the address listed on their individual page, or use their QueryManager link if indicated. Include the title of your project in the subject line. Paste the first ten pages of your manuscript in the body of the email — no attachments. For picture books, include the complete text, illustrators should also include a link to your website or two to three PDFs or JPEGs of your work. For graphic novels, paste the first ten pages of your script plus the first five pages of your dummy in the body of the email.

Fiction, non-fiction and children's books

Children's books across all ages, narrative non-fiction, biography, sport, music, autobiography, crime fiction and 'weird and wonderful'. Not poetry, short stories/novellas, educational textbooks, or film/stage scripts

Synopsis and first 3 chapters (max 50 pages) and covering letter (Word or PDF). Picture books: up to 3 full texts plus sample illustrations. Do not submit to more than one BLM agent

Commercial fiction, book club fiction, romance, mysteries, thrillers, fantasy

Commercial fiction, book club reads, romance, mysteries and thrillers. In fantasy, immersive worldbuilding and strong female characters are essential. Enjoys compelling dystopian fiction with a political edge. Favoured tropes include love triangles, enemies to lovers, rivals to lovers, and forced proximity. Interested in academia settings, multiple POVs, and stories featuring older protagonists (30+) from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Ayesha is not open to direct submissions. For Watson Little agents who are open, submit by email to submissions@watsonlittle.com with a cover letter in the body of the email and a synopsis plus approximately 10,000 words (or to the end of the nearest chapter) attached as Word documents. Do not submit to more than one Watson Little agent at a time.

Crime, historical fiction, historical romance, women's fiction

Crime, historical fiction (especially historical romance), women's fiction

Alison is not currently receiving submissions. When open, email the agent directly. Include the manuscript title and genre in the subject line. For fiction, send a covering letter in the body of the email, a brief synopsis, and the first three chapters or first 5,000 words as a Word document.

Fiction, historical fiction

Not poetry, playscripts, screenplays, or individual short stories

Submissions may be sent by post to Fraser Ross Associates, 42 Hadfast Road, Cousland, Midlothian EH22 2NZ, or by email to fraserrossassociates@gmail.com. When submitting by email, the email itself serves as your covering letter and no separate document is required. Please ensure sufficient postage is included with postal submissions.

Book club, crime or thriller, upmarket, literary fiction, narrative non-fiction

Characters that linger, strong setting, book club, high-concept crime/thriller, upmarket/literary, narrative non-fiction with investigative/social commentary. Not children/YA, not SFF

Email - booksubmissions@42mp.com

Fiction, non-fiction

Wants: See 42 agent profiles; note submissions are via central address.

Transporting fiction with seductive narrative voices, particularly crime fiction in all its guises and historical fiction, as well as anything seriously funny, uplifting, or with an edge. High on the wish list: a crime series told from an unusual perspective and literary fiction in the vein of Rose Tremain. On the non-fiction side: biography, popular history, and politics, with a particular love for political, financial, or social scandals, as well as memoir and biography that introduces readers to unfamiliar worlds, whether historical or contemporary.

Email - booksubmissions@42mp.com

Commercial fiction, nonfiction, historical fiction

Giles Milburn is Managing Director of the Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency. His official profile says he has worked with bestselling authors in commercial fiction, nonfiction, and historical fiction, but it does not list him as an open literary agent or provide a current public query route.

Madeleine Milburn submissions are via official forms and the current submissions page lists the agents available in each form. Giles Milburn is not listed in the current submission agent options, so treat him as closed to unsolicited submissions.

Film, television, stage, radio, books

Writers and directors working across a range of media, including film, television, stage, radio, and books

Email a CV, a brief outline of your experience, and a short outline of the work you wish to submit to es@elainesteel.com. Do not send unsolicited scripts or cold email submissions.

Commercial fiction, non-fiction, screenwriters

Rory represents clients across commercial fiction and non-fiction, as well as screenwriters and brands. With valuable experience working as a senior publisher, he has a deep and pragmatic understanding of what discerning editors want to see from clients' manuscripts.

Rory is currently closed to submissions. Please direct your submission to Hattie, Rachel, Emily, or Ed instead.

Fiction and non-fiction

Biography, history, current affairs, travel, gardening, health, fiction. Not taking new clients

Email submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk with cover letter in the email body, first 3 chapters or up to 50 pages and a 1-2 page synopsis (fiction), or sample chapters or up to 50 pages and a synopsis or chapter summary (non-fiction). Word documents preferred.

Fiction

Upmarket and literary adult/new adult fiction (genre-agnostic within upmarket/literary, sweet spot literary-speculative). Interested in high-concept/hooky work, uncommon voices, strong aesthetic, gothic/grounded fantasy, "weird girl lit", dark academia, select romantasy etc

QueryManager - https://querymanager.com or juliegourinchas