UK Commercial Fiction Literary Agents Open to Submissions

Fiction and narrative non-fiction

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

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.

Fiction, non-fiction

Speculative fiction, commercial fiction, literary fiction, crime and thriller, serious non-fiction (big ideas/subversive assumptions, serious histories, narrative non-fiction re contemporary events/issues)

Email alexander@greyhoundliterary.co.uk with a cover letter pitch in the body of the email. For fiction, attach the first three chapters and a synopsis. For non-fiction, attach a proposal and sample writing. Do not submit by post. Do not submit to more than one agent at the agency.

Fiction and narrative non-fiction

Commercial genre fiction (romcom, crime, thrillers), accessible literary/reading group, narrative non-fiction (often by women), emotional family drama, multigenerational stories, female-led crime, social-issue thrillers

Email - sohoagencysubmissions@gmail.com

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

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.

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.

Fiction and non-fiction

Upmarket commercial to literary fiction, distinctive voice/character-driven with strong hook/unusual perspective, multigenerational novels, gripping love stories, funny fiction, feminist/revisionary, experimental/form. Non-fiction: memoir and narrative, history, food writing/food system, nature/planet, popular science, genre-melding cultural writing

Email submissions@janklow.co.uk with your full name, the title of your work, and Claire Paterson Conrad's name in the subject line. For fiction: include a covering letter (in the email body), synopsis, and the first three chapters or first fifty pages as attachments. For non-fiction: include a covering letter, a full chapter-by-chapter outline, and a sample chapter. All documents should be double-spaced, size 12, in a reasonable font, and submitted as Word or PDF attachments — no external links. Responses are sent within 8 weeks if the agency wishes to read more.

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

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.

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

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, book club fiction, narrative memoir, family saga, high society fiction, speculative fiction, magical realism, contemporary fiction, upmarket suspense, psychological thriller, postcolonial fiction, translated fiction, classical retellings

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first three chapters, first ten thousand words, proposal, writing sample

Rachel Yeoh is a literary agent building a list in literary, upmarket, and book club fiction, as well as select narrative nonfiction. She is actively looking for literary, upmarket, book club, global stories, human experience, social critique, class conflict, speculative fiction, family sagas, contemporary fiction, upmarket suspense, psychological thriller, postcolonial literature, translated fiction, classical retellings, and narrative memoir.

Submit through the relevant Madeleine Milburn online form and select Rachel Yeoh where available. Adult fiction submissions require a cover letter pasted into the form and one attachment containing a one-page synopsis plus the first three chapters or first 10,000 words. Nonfiction submissions require a cover letter and one document containing a 5,000 to 10,000 word sample and proposal. Do not submit by post or directly to email addresses.

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/

General fiction, thrillers, crime, historical fiction, suspense, mystery, women's commercial fiction, non-fiction, arts and crafts, cookery, biography and autobiography, popular science, business, natural history, sport, travel, health

Wants: See submissions page; requires synopsis and first 3 chapters.

General fiction including thrillers, crime, historical fiction, suspense, mystery, and women's commercial fiction. On the nonfiction side, illustrated books covering arts and crafts, cookery, biography and autobiography, popular science, business, natural history, sport, travel, and health. Open to submissions from new authors.

Email a brief synopsis and the first three chapters as Word or Open Document attachments to mail@limelightmanagement.com. Include 'Submission' in the subject line and the title of your work in the attachment filename. Also include a note about your professional life and writing ambitions.

Middle grade, ya, sff, children's

Wants: Per fba new voices bio: YA and commercial adult fiction; romance and fantasy for all ages; smart/engaging/bold with international appeal. note: agency submissions page currently not accepting fantasy/romantasy/SFF or children's/YA.

Actively building a list spanning middle grade, YA and crossover fiction across all genres, and selective adult fiction in the SFF space. Drawn to immersive world-building, complex characters, twisty plots, and stories exploring identity, belonging and transformation.

Submit via the PFD submissions page. Include a covering letter, one-page synopsis, and first three chapters or approximately 10,000 words.

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

Science fiction, fantasy, horror, crime, thriller, sport non-fiction

Commercial fiction, especially science fiction, fantasy, horror, crime and thrillers. Also looking for sport-related non-fiction and keen to see submissions from under-represented voices and LGBTQ writers.

Email jamie@theampersandagency.co.uk

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.

Fiction (adult)

Commercial and literary, crime/thriller, historical

Email - enquiries@aforauthors.co.uk

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.

Non-fiction

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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

Non-fiction, book club fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, speculative fiction, crime fiction

Non-fiction across a broad range of subjects, particularly from authors who are authoritative and accessible, including activists, psychologists, creatives and thought leaders. Also growing a fiction list focused on book club, fantasy, historical, speculative and crime fiction. Actively champions marginalised and underrepresented voices.

For non-fiction, email nonfiction@grahammawchristie.com with a one-page topic summary, detailed chapter-by-chapter outline, author credentials, online profiles, market overview, promotional plan, and 1-2 sample chapters. For fiction, email fiction@grahammawchristie.com with a completed manuscript, including genre in the subject line, a one-to-two line elevator pitch, a 500-800 word synopsis (including spoilers), up to five comparative titles, author bio, promotional notes, and the first three chapters or approximately 10,000 words. Attach documents in Word, Pages or PDF format. Do not submit directly to individual agents. No postal submissions accepted.

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

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.

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 (primarily)

Commercial and book club fiction with a strong hook, genre-crossing, dystopia, elevated sci-fi, big love stories, domestic suspense, horror (incl social commentary)

Email submissions@janklow.co.uk with your full name, the title of your work, and Hayley Steed's name in the subject line. Include a covering letter in the body of the email. Attach a synopsis and either the first three chapters or the first fifty pages (Word or PDF). All documents should be double-spaced, size 12, in a reasonable font. Do not include external links, attach all materials directly.

Fiction

Commercial/genre fiction: romance/romcom, adult and YA fantasy (romance/spice, trials), crime/thrillers/mysteries, hooky pitches and page-turning drama

Email - maddalenacavaciuti@davidhigham.co.uk

Literary fiction, crime fiction, thriller, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, commercial fiction, book club fiction, upmarket fiction, history, sport, popular science

Entertaining and diverse fiction with well-told stories, big ideas, emotional hooks and gripping plots. In commercial fiction, particularly interested in crime, thriller, book group and upmarket titles, as well as historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy. In non-fiction, looks for expertise, fresh ideas and genuine passion for the subject, working across history, sport and popular science.

Direct queries about submissions to Isobel@rcwlitagency.com.

Children's fiction, ya, graphic novels, illustrated fiction

Bold, commercial, zeitgeisty children's/YA, prioritises under-represented voices, not currently taking on new picture book clients

Email sohoagencychildrenssubmissions@gmail.com with first 3 chapters or first 30 pages, a synopsis, and a covering letter, addressed FAO Lydia Silver.

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, illustrated non-fiction, serious non-fiction

Novels across the literary-commercial scale and non-fiction from highly illustrated to serious non-fiction, with diversity within the list as an ever-present priority. Does not represent scriptwriting, high fantasy, or, in non-fiction, business, self-help or parenting books. Represents poetry and children's books (including MG and YA) only where she already represents the author.

Email submissions@philippasitters.co.uk with a cover letter in the email body. For fiction, attach the first 30 pages (double spaced) and a 1-2 page synopsis (single spaced) as Word documents or PDFs. For non-fiction, attach a proposal with a detailed chapter outline and up to three sample chapters (double spaced), information on target market and comparable titles is helpful but not required.

Fiction, children's books, nonfiction, thriller, suspense, historical fiction, literary fiction, book club fiction, young adult, middle grade, romantasy, memoir, cookery, lifestyle, narrative nonfiction

Wants: Covering letter, synopsis, first three chapters, first fifty pages, outline, sample chapter, bio

Hellie Ogden is co-head of WME UK Books and represents fiction, children's books, and nonfiction. She is actively taking on new clients and wants bold storytelling, moving prose, vivid thought-provoking characters, standout debut work, high-concept thrillers and suspense with fresh hooks and daring twists, historical fiction with original courageous ideas, page-turning literary fiction about millennial experience, nostalgia, sexuality and family complexities, upmarket book club fiction with commercial hooks, female-led mysteries, emotionally deep fiction, YA with big heart and voice, romantasy, middle grade adventure with magic, memoir, standout cookery, lifestyle writers, moving narrative nonfiction, and work with social following and cross-media potential.

Submit through Hellie Ogden's official WME profile or query button. Include the author full name and work title in the email subject line. Fiction submissions should include a covering letter, synopsis, and either the first three chapters or first fifty pages. Nonfiction submissions should include a covering letter, full chapter outline, and if possible a sample chapter. Include a bio with all submissions. Query one WME agent at a time.

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, commercial non-fiction, children's fiction, ya

Wants: Agency is building its list and welcomes unsolicited submissions (see remit on site)

Commercial and literary fiction across all genres, commercial non-fiction, and children's and young adult fiction, with a particular interest in projects with book-to-screen adaptation potential

Email info@whisperingbuffalo.com marked for the attention of the Submissions Department. For fiction include a brief biography, one-page synopsis, and first three chapters (double-spaced) as a Word document attachment. For non-fiction include a proposal and sample chapter.