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 non-fiction
Adult crime, thrillers and suspense, contemporary romance, women's fiction (commercial/literary/historical/humour). Adult non-fiction: mental health advocates, adventurers, entertainers
Email - submission@bell-lomax.co.uk
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.
Fantasy, speculative fiction, romantic fantasy, romantic fiction, general fiction, literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, cookery
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.
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.
Children's and ya (and some adult)
Middle grade and YA fiction across genres (pref voice/character-driven, contemporary/realistic settings, magical realism, original psychological thrillers, atmospheric horror, light fantasy). Also open to original children/YA non-fiction, selectively adult literary projects
Submit by email via the PFD books submission page at https://petersfraserdunlop.com or submissions or books/, including a cover letter, synopsis, and the first three chapters or approximately 50 pages for fiction, or a detailed proposal for non-fiction.
Fiction and non-fiction
Strong POVs (especially women), intelligent, witty, emotionally affecting literary/genre fiction and non-fiction, feminist/provocative voices, twists
Email - lizzymanuscripts@davidhigham.co.uk
Fiction and non-fiction
Fiction: literary/well-written including pacey thrillers. Non-fiction: accessible, estimable writing with commercial potential (journalists/experts/scholars/public figures, fascinating true stories)
Email - submissions@jonathanpegg.com
Memoir, geography, economics, politics, history, nature writing, biography, science, travel, literary fiction
Wants: Genres include memoir; geography; economics; politics; history; nature writing; biography; science; travel; and literary fiction.
See source page for more info
Email james@jameslockhartagency.com with a covering letter in the body of the email and the first 30 pages attached as a Word doc or PDF.
Fiction, literary non-fiction, memoir, biography, nature, history
Small list: fiction and literary non-fiction, memoir, biography, nature, history
Email - submissions@nurnberg.co.uk
Commercial non-fiction, self-help, memoir, literary non-fiction
Wants: Profile content appears js-rendered; unable to extract detailed wishlist/submissions from accessible html; use general contact email
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
Non-fiction
History, current affairs/politics/economics, biography and memoir, narrative/literary non-fiction, sport/adventure, pop culture/film/music, popular science/psychology, ideas ('smart thinking'), narrative-led business
Email - andrewgordon@davidhigham.co.uk
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, non-fiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction
Wants: Strong commercial genre fiction (noir-ish thrillers/spy/gritty crime; also saga/romance/romcom) and surprising reading-group fiction; non-fiction with strong narrative voice in memoir/history and big ideas/smart thinking
Wide range of fiction and non-fiction, literary and commercial. Has a taste for the unlikely, likes to be surprised and transported. In fiction, loves stories that take him somewhere strange and wonderful. For non-fiction, loves books that reveal something new or inspire readers to imagine the world differently.
Email - submissions@sheilland.co.uk
Literary and general fiction, non-fiction, poetry (select)
Original, distinctive voices, literary and general fiction including short stories, non-fiction with persuasive perspectives and interplay between personal/political (power, class, culture), literary memoir/auto-fiction borderlands, selective cookery/food writing and cookbooks
Email - nicolasubmissions@davidhigham.co.uk
Fiction and non-fiction
Fiction: literary/upmarket with edge, romance (incl dark academia, paranormals, grounded romantasy), mysteries with fresh angle, some literary speculative (not hard SFF). Non-fiction: science/nature, art/culture, social issues/politics, love/relationships, illustrated non-fiction, food/drink
Email (to one agent) - dchandley@pfd.co.uk
Fiction and non-fiction
Fiction: book club/literary, character- and voice-driven crime/thriller/suspense, dark/gothic/uncanny, love stories, family sagas, historical from a slant, Highsmithian thrillers. Non-fiction: accessible social/cultural history, biography/memoir, reportage, popular science, nature, arts, food/cookery, experts, journalists, lived experience
Email charlotte@johnsonandalcock.co.uk with a short covering letter (including a book blurb and brief author bio), a synopsis of no more than two pages, and the opening 50 pages of the manuscript (fiction), or a book proposal of approximately 50 pages (non-fiction). Submissions must be in Word Doc format, at least 1.5 line spaced, page-numbered, on A4. Submit to one agent only, do not blind-copy. Attachments must be under 5MB.
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
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, book club fiction, contemporary fiction, commercial women's fiction, crime, mystery, thrillers, fantasy, genre romance, historical fiction, horror, ghost stories, sagas, science fiction, biography, memoir, cookery, gardening, gift books, humour, history, military history, lifestyle, mind-body-spirit, self-improvement, politics, popular science, psychology, travel, children's, ya
SF/fantasy, sweeping historical fiction, character-driven sci-fi, action/adventure, crime. Non-fiction: history, biography, music
Email submissions@sheilland.co.uk with a cover letter, a one-page synopsis (fiction) or brief outline (non-fiction), a short CV, and the first three chapters or around fifty pages. Submissions should be 1.5 line spaced with margins and page numbers, and must include a word count. Only one work at a time. No AI-generated content accepted.
Literary fiction, non-fiction, estates
Wants: Synopsis, three chapters, covering letter
Nemonie Craven Roderick is a director of Jonathan Clowes Ltd. Her clients include the Estate of Doris Lessing, the Estate of Elizabeth Jane Howard, the Estate of David Nobbs, Maureen Duffy, Miles Gibson, Simon Critchley, Toby Vieira, Delyth Badder, David Llewellyn, and Gruff Rhys.
Email - nemonie@jonathanclowes.co.uk
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.
Fiction and non-fiction
Non-fiction: history, popular science, social issues, nature, money/life management, music, sport, film, technology, memoir, true crime, experts with wide appeal. Fiction: literary and well-written commercial, boundary-pushing style with emotional heart and plot, upmarket with satisfying arc, historical or contemporary, genre-mixing
Email submissions@watsonlittle.com with a cover letter in the body of the email, a synopsis, and approximately 10,000 words from the beginning of the manuscript for fiction, or a proposal including a sample chapter and chapter summaries for non-fiction. Address one agent only. No AI-originated or AI-edited material.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, non-fiction
Literary and upmarket fiction and non-fiction (incl lifestyle/wellbeing), stand-out stories with strong leading idea and emotional depth, humour/charm. Currently not looking for crime fiction
Email submissions@watsonlittle.com with a cover letter in the body of the email, a synopsis, and approximately 10,000 words from the beginning of the manuscript as a Word document. For non-fiction, send a proposal as a single document including a sample chapter and chapter list with summaries.
Fiction, non-fiction, literary estates
Non-fiction: history, current affairs, biography, geopolitics, intelligence studies, history of war. Fiction: international thrillers and espionage
Email submissions@nurnberg.co.uk with a covering letter in the body of the email, a one-page synopsis and first three chapters or 50 pages as attachments (for non-fiction: an overview, chapter outlines, and three sample chapters). Address the email for the attention of Michael Dean in the subject line.
Fiction (adult)
Commercial and literary, crime/thriller, historical
Email - enquiries@aforauthors.co.uk
Fiction and non-fiction
Crime, thriller, general fiction, literary fiction, non-fiction proposals (case-by-case)
Email - bill@billgoodall.co.uk
Fiction and non-fiction
Fiction: literary prize-winners to upmarket reading group, well-written crime, ambitious/surprising, messy family stories, longing/relationships. Non-fiction: art, culture, music, food, nature, mental health
Submit via the online portal at https://felicitybryan.com or submissions or submit-your-work/ — upload a synopsis or proposal and the first 3–4 chapters.
Fiction and non-fiction
Contemporary, historical and literary fiction, crime and thrillers, memoir, biography, narrative history
Email isobel@blakefriedmann.co.uk with a cover letter in the body of the email. Attach a synopsis of 250-300 words and the first three chapters or first 10,000 words as Word documents (.doc or .docx). Include the book title and your name in the subject line. For non-fiction, attach a synopsis of up to 500 words, a chapter plan, and two sample chapters.
Fiction and non-fiction
Commercial women's fiction with strong hook/twisty plots/emotion/drama, eclectic list. Agency also considers crime/mystery/suspense/thrillers, horror, historical, commercial and literary, non-fiction including politics/current affairs, environment, lifestyle, popular science, self-help/how-to, true crime
Email submissions@cmm.agency with a one-paragraph author biography, a one-paragraph blurb or hook including genre and audience, a short synopsis covering plot, setting, theme and characters, and the first three chapters as an attachment. Manuscript must be double or 1.5 line-spaced, with wide margins, in a font no smaller than 12-point (preferably Times New Roman), fully page-numbered, with your name, address, contact number and email on the first page.
Fiction and non-fiction
Thrillers, commercial fiction, historical and literary fiction, narrative non-fiction (history, natural history, politics, military)
Email - philip@marjacq.com
Literary fiction, speculative fiction, narrative nonfiction, subject-led nonfiction, poetry
Wants: Literary-spectrum fiction (incl speculative); narrative-forward nonfiction with original idea/voice; not currently taking on new poets
Literary novels that prioritise plot and find fun, surprising ways to explore ideas or a moment in time — entertaining, thought-provoking, and ideally moving. Open to work that plays with and elevates genre. In nonfiction, drawn to original ideas with unique, narrative-driven telling, whether from journalists, memoirists, thought leaders, academics, or cultural figures. Not currently taking on new poets.
Email submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk with the agent's name in the subject line. For fiction, attach the first three chapters or fifty pages plus a short synopsis as Word-compatible files. For narrative nonfiction, attach a short overview and up to 10,000 words of sample writing. For subject-led nonfiction, attach a proposal of around 5,000 words and at least 5,000 words of sample writing. Include a cover letter with a book description, any writing credits or qualifications, and a brief bio. Do not submit directly to the agent's assistant.
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, crime, sci-fi, short story collections, poetry, narrative non-fiction, history, travel, food, nature writing, investigative journalism, popular science, popular psychology, children's, ya
Wants: Cover letter and ~500-word synopsis and first 3 chapters; include contact details
Literary, book club, and commercial fiction including thrillers and YA; short story collections and poetry; narrative non-fiction with strong style; well-crafted crime and sci-fi; history, politics, science, psychology, true crime, travel, food, nature writing, investigative journalism, and popular psychology. Writers for children and young adults are also welcome.
Submit by email or post. The postal address is 29 Wardour Street, London W1D 6PS. For email, visit georginacapel.com or contact to find the address.
Literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, poetry
Literary fiction with clarity, energy and intention, ambitious structure/craft, tactile/idiosyncratic sentences, strange/spooked books, big family novels and love stories, literary genre-bending. Non-fiction: literary biography, social/cultural/oral history, creative scholarship, memoir/essay, interests include art, design, psychoanalysis, food, women's lives
Email submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk with subject line marked FAO Harriet Moore. Include a cover letter with a short book description, any writing credits or qualifications, and a brief bio. For fiction, attach the first three chapters or 50 pages plus a short synopsis. For narrative non-fiction, attach a short overview and up to 10,000 words of sample writing. For subject-led non-fiction, attach a proposal of approximately 5,000 words and at least 5,000 words of sample writing. Attachments should be Microsoft Word compatible. Submit to one agent only, no postal submissions. If you have not heard back within three months, treat this as a pass.
Literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, crime, sci-fi, poetry
Literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, well-crafted crime and sci-fi, building a curated list of poetry
Send a covering letter, a synopsis of approximately 500 words, and the first three chapters by post to Georgina Capel Associates Ltd, 29 Wardour Street, London W1D 6PS (mark envelope 'Submissions Department'), or by email to irene@georginacapel.com. Include your email address and or or telephone number. AI-generated content is not accepted.
Literary fiction and narrative non-fiction
Fiction: stunning sentences, convincing narratives, on-the-page magic. Non-fiction: narrative, personal accounts with political context, transporting/teaching. Original voices and captivating storytelling
Email submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk with the subject line marked FAO Lisa Baker. For fiction, attach the first three chapters or up to fifty pages plus a short synopsis as Word-compatible files. For narrative non-fiction, include a short overview and up to 10,000 words of sample writing, for subject-led non-fiction, a proposal of approximately 5,000 words and at least 5,000 words of sample writing. Include a cover letter with a brief book description, any writing credits or qualifications, and a short biographical note. Submit to one agent only, do not contact agents' assistants directly.
Fiction and non-fiction
Fiction: literary/upmarket with escapism and page-turning readability, big high-stakes love stories from original angles. Non-fiction: writers shifting public discourse, health, medicine, history, politics, biographies/memoirs, cookery, art, music, lifestyle with a strong angle
Email submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk with subject line marked FAO Monica MacSwan. For fiction, attach the first three chapters or fifty pages plus a short synopsis. For narrative non-fiction, attach a short overview and up to 10,000 words of sample writing. For subject-led non-fiction, attach a proposal of approximately 5,000 words and no less than 5,000 words of sample writing. Include a cover letter with a brief description of the book, any writing credits or qualifications, and a short biographical note. All attachments should be Microsoft Word compatible.
Fiction and non-fiction
Story-led commercial/literary: romantic or suspense fiction, compelling memoir, iconic history, edgy humour, 'gleam in the author's eye'
Email - sohoagencysubmissions@gmail.com
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