107+ United Kingdom literary fiction literary agents whose current PairPi record says they are open to submissions. Each listing includes a source link and last-checked date.
107+ verified agents · 107 currently open
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, narrative non-fiction
Crime, thrillers, epic family sagas, book club literary fiction, memoir
Email sohoagencysubmissions@gmail.com with a covering letter, synopsis, and the first 3 chapters or first 30 pages. No postal submissions.
Fiction and non-fiction
Literary and upmarket fiction, literary thrillers, smart women's fiction. Non-fiction on serious subjects in innovative ways (history, science, memoir, cookery, cultural criticism, social issues, psychology)
Email imogen@marjacq.com
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.
Fiction and non-fiction
Literary and commercial fiction and non-fiction (good writing, great literature)
Submit via the RCW submissions page at https://rcwlitagency.com or submissions or with a cover letter, synopsis, and first 3 chapters or 50 pages for fiction, or a proposal of up to 20 pages for non-fiction. Submit to one agent or assistant only.
Literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, thrillers, mysteries
Literary fiction, narrative non-fiction (current affairs etc), and high-quality thrillers and mysteries
Email submissions directly to amd@theampersandagency.co.uk
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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
Fiction and non-fiction
Romance, upmarket crime/thrillers, uncanny/eerie/weird literary, gothic/supernatural elements, voiced historical, memoir and narrative non-fiction, health/wellbeing proposals from experts
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
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
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
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.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, historical fiction, literary thrillers, crime, gothic horror, speculative fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels
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
Submit by email following DHA's submissions guidelines at https://davidhigham.co.uk or submissions/
Literary and upmarket or book club fiction
Character-driven, emotionally resonant, culturally insightful literary/upmarket fiction, sweeping narratives, complex family dynamics, intergenerational sagas, sociopolitical/postcolonial/global themes, speculative or magical realism grounded in human experience, literary thrillers with psychological nuance
Online form - https://www.madeleinemilburn.co.uk 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.
Fiction and narrative non-fiction
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
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.
Commercial fiction, upmarket fiction, book club fiction, crime, thrillers, historical fiction, psychological suspense, women's fiction, speculative fiction, non-fiction, lifestyle, pop culture, humour
Commercial and upmarket fiction: book club/accessibly literary, crime/thrillers, upmarket historical, psychological suspense, women's fiction, speculative/high-concept, lightly magical edge. Non-fiction: innovative lifestyle, pop culture, unique personal stories, humour
Email jemimasubmissions@davidhigham.co.uk with your name and title in the subject line, and attach a cover letter, synopsis, and the first three chapters.
Fiction and non-fiction
Non-fiction: narrative, political writing, popular science/psychology, history, big ideas, nature, travel, essays, memoir. Fiction: literary to book club, emotionally complex, families/friendship, vivid historical fiction
Online portal - https://felicitybryan.com or submissions or submit-your-work/
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, non-fiction
Literary and genre fiction (incl historical, horror, speculative), multi-generational, high-concept book club, domestic dramas, crime/thrillers with a twist, non-fiction including history/true crime/current affairs/travel/food/psychology/feminism/memoir, children's high-concept with humour/heart
Email veroniquemanuscripts@davidhigham.co.uk with a covering letter, a 1-2 page synopsis, and the first 3 chapters.
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, graphic novels, general non-fiction
Original page-turning adult fiction and non-fiction across genres (agency notes it does not currently represent Children's/YA or Science Fiction/Fantasy)
Email representme@rockingchairbooks.com with a whole manuscript or just a few chapters. A covering letter is welcome but not essential — the agency typically reads the work first.
Narrative and commercial non-fiction, literary fiction
Strong new voices in non-fiction across musical, visual, dramatic, cultural and culinary arts, history, memoir, biography, essays and humour, select fiction and literary-quality short stories
Email - natalie@greyhoundliterary.co.uk
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.
Fiction and narrative non-fiction
Commercial and literary fiction (excluding SFF), narrative non-fiction; currently seeking voicy character-driven book club fiction, fresh crime, upmarket horror, and accessible eye-opening non-fiction
Email - mhoskins@unitedagents.co.uk
Nonfiction, sport, memoir, autobiography, literary fiction
Sport and a broad range of nonfiction, including journalism, sports figures, actors, TV personalities, doctors, business figures, and military history. Also novelists, and memoir and autobiography from public figures with a distinctive story to tell.
Email submissions@mbalit.co.uk with first three chapters and synopsis as Word, PDF, or Final Draft attachments, covering letter in the email body, and the email marked for the attention of David Riding.
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.
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.
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, 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.
Literary fiction, narrative non-fiction
Literary fiction and narrative non-fiction, award-winning food writers, academics, stylish prose, sly humour, complex characterisation, challenging ideas and identity
Email zross@unitedagents.co.uk with a one-line elevator pitch, two or three comparable books, and a back-cover blurb. Attach a one-page synopsis and the first three chapters (fiction), or a proposal with a twenty-page writing sample (non-fiction).
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, commercial fiction, literary non-fiction, commercial non-fiction, ya, children's books, biography, memoir, history, popular culture, humour
Quality women's fiction including romantasy and love stories, smart contemporary thrillers with a difference, a great northern novel set in the north east or midlands, biography, memoir, history, popular culture, humour
Email synopsis and three sample chapters as a Word attachment, plus author biography, to info@sarah-such.com. No unsolicited manuscripts or telephone enquiries.
Fiction
Character-driven speculative fiction, female-led literary and crossover, book club fiction, contemporary rom-coms, sweeping love stories (historical/contemporary), crime and psychological thrillers, female-led fantasy, romantasy, retellings. Not: children/YA, police procedurals, cosy crime, epic sci-fi, poetry, plays, screenplays, any non-fiction
Elena is currently open for submissions. Send your cover letter, one-page synopsis, and first three chapters as attachments, not in the body of the email. Submit to submission@dhhliteraryagency.com. Only submit to one agent at DHH Literary Agency
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]'.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, personal development, narrative non-fiction, memoir
Literary and upmarket fiction, and in non-fiction expert voices in personal development, narrative non-fiction, emotive memoir, and books that engage with politics, culture and the status quo with intellectual depth. Passionate about bringing undiscovered ideas and fresh conversations to the mainstream.
Email a synopsis and sample material to hello@bergstromstudio.co.uk
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
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