49+ United Kingdom middle grade literary agents whose current PairPi record says they are open to submissions. Each listing includes a source link and last-checked date.
49+ verified agents · 49 currently open
Fiction and non-fiction
Prioritising MG/YA and new adult/adult commercial fiction, romance including romcom/dark/epic, romantasy, YA contemporary with humour/romance, YA thrillers/horror, MG funny contemporary
Email - submissions@watsonlittle.com
Fiction and non-fiction, audio rights, some playwrights
Children's fiction, historical fiction, mystery and supernatural horror; particularly slick and humorous middle grade fiction and STEM titles for children
Email - submissions@mbalit.co.uk (FAO Sophie Gorell Barnes)
Adult fiction, non-fiction, ya, middle grade, children's, illustrators
See individual agent pages (JVNLA covers many genres incl fiction/non-fiction/cookbooks/children's)
Read each agent's individual submission guidelines on the agency website, choose the agent that best fits your project, and email that one agent only. Include a brief description of your work and a short author bio. Do not send queries by post. AI-generated queries or manuscripts are not accepted.
Children's authors and illustrators
Children's/YA book projects (UK and Ireland only)
Email submissions@alicewilliamsliterary.co.uk with a covering email briefly introducing the submission (genre, age, word count) and a little about yourself. Fiction: pitch in the body of the email, attach the full manuscript as a Word doc (double line spacing) and a one-side A4 synopsis. Picture book texts: attach two or three texts as separate Word documents. Non-fiction: provide an overview of concept, length, structure, readership, and sample spreads or chapters. Illustrators: include a portfolio link and optionally a low-res PDF dummy. Do not use AI-generated text or illustrations in your submission.
Children's and ya
Children's picture book texts, junior novels, YA (incl thrillers/romance), verse, children's non-fiction concepts, broad/non-prescriptive
Online form - https://amheath.com or submissions
Adult fiction, non-fiction, ya, middle grade, children's
Jennifer Weltz has sold books domestically, internationally, and for film for over three decades. She takes on an author's career rather than just a single project, serving as business manager, confidant, task master, preliminary editor, and matchmaker. She is very careful and selective about signing on new authors.
Please only submit your query to one agent at the agency. Your query should include a brief description of your work and a short author bio.
Adult fiction, non-fiction, ya, middle grade
Alice Tasman represents a diverse range of writers with an emphasis on fiction. She is drawn to distinctive voices and unique perspectives, and she particularly enjoys discovering debut writers. She is dedicated to nurturing and developing her clients' careers over the long term.
Submit a query to one agent only at the agency. Your query should include a brief description of your work and a short author bio. Find Alice Tasman's specific submission instructions by clicking her name on the submissions page at https://www.jvnla.com or submissions. The agency does not accept queries by regular mail or AI-generated queries or manuscripts.
Children's books
See agent wishlist / agency guidelines; actively seeking new clients (per submissions page)
Submit via QueryManager at https://querymanager.com or query or 2304
Fiction and non-fiction
Most genres/categories for adults and younger readers (excludes plays, screenplays, poetry, 'self-help' non-fiction, picture books)
Email a brief outline and the opening three chapters (around 10,000 words) to mail@antonyharwood.com. Fiction writers who are unpublished should only submit once their manuscript is complete.
Middle grade, ya, adult fiction
MG adventures (fresh), funny MG with series potential, contemporary and mythology for MG, YA romance with strong hook. Adult: women's fiction, dark psychological thrillers, contemporary funny romantic adventure
Email - jo@antonyharwood.com
Children's fiction and non-fiction (to ya or crossover)
Ambitious storytelling, bold structure/voice, fresh takes on genre, author/illustrators, underrepresented/marginalised voices, high-concept contemporary YA romance, horror/thrillers, hooky YA fantasy/speculative, hilarious MG, screen potential
Email - rachelsubmissions@theblairpartnership.com
Children's fiction
Children's fiction from emerging readers to YA/crossover. Not picture books
Email - submissions@skylark-literary.com
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.
Crime fiction, thriller, mystery, psychological thriller, supernatural suspense, ghost stories, romantic suspense, historical fiction, women's fiction, middle grade, ya, horror, non-fiction, self-help, narrative non-fiction, memoir
Crime fiction encompassing thriller, mystery, and psychological thriller; supernatural suspense; ghost stories; romantic suspense; historical fiction; women's fiction; children's fiction at middle grade and YA level; horror; and non-fiction including topical, accessible works such as self-help, narrative non-fiction, and memoir. Does not represent science fiction, fantasy, short stories, poetry collections, erotica, or picture books.
Submit by email only. Fiction submissions should include a cover letter in the body of the email, a short bio, a synopsis, and three sample chapters as separate attachments. Non-fiction submissions should include a cover letter in the body of the email, a short bio, a proposal with chapter breakdown, and three sample chapters as separate attachments. Use the submissions page at https://shesto-literary.com or submissions or to send your materials.
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
Wants: Cover letter, first three chapters, synopsis
Adult and children's fiction, along with a small amount of non-fiction — above all, a great story with characters to care deeply about. Bold, distinctive voices, intriguing stories with a strong hook, and flawed characters with something to learn. Truly diverse characters and inclusive, body-positive, joyful representation, as well as big, mind-bending ideas and fresh combinations of genres. Particularly interested in Thrutopias, graphic novels, highly integrated illustrated middle grade or YA fiction, and funny fiction for children and young adults.
Submit via the online form at https://hs-la.com or submissions or during the open window (1st–7th of each month). Include a cover letter, the first three chapters of your manuscript, and a synopsis.
Children's fiction, ya, middle grade, chapter books, graphic novels, cosy crime, crime fiction
Wants: See agent page for currently-open genres; query must match listed genres. does not represent picture books
Big-concept commercial series fiction for children and YA, with particular interest in middle grade across all subgenres — mystery, fantasy, historical, funny, adventure, verse, illustrated, animal perspectives — especially with a strong voice or hook. Chapter books with series potential for ages 7 and up, and graphic novels across all children's and YA age ranges. In YA, contemporary novels including rom-coms with a hook, high-concept stories with strong friendships or sibling relationships, mysteries, thrillers, and light speculative fiction; will consider historical YA with action. For adult, only open to cosy crime, smart contemporary crime with humour, crime with a fantasy twist, and crime with a sci-fi element — nothing dark or gritty, no child death or gratuitous violence. Not open to picture books, YA fantasy, contemporary adult fiction, adult non-fiction, literary novels, romance, or poetry.
Email gemmaqueries@gemmacooperliterary.com with the book title, a short pitch, a brief author bio, and the first ten pages pasted into the body of the email — no attachments. Graphic novel or illustrated non-fiction submissions may include a link to a website or social media where work is shared, or attach up to five low-res images. Emails sent to info@gemmacooperliterary.com will be deleted unread.
Children's writers and illustrators (agent)
Strong, sharp storytelling with humour and adventure, not currently accepting picture book texts
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.
Children's fiction, children's nonfiction, young adult, middle grade, picture books, illustrators
Wants: Covering letter, brief pitch, first three chapters, synopsis, complete picture book text, illustration samples
Becky Bagnell founded Lindsay Literary Agency. The agency specialises in writing for children, from picture books to Young Adult fiction and nonfiction for young people. It is currently open to submissions, particularly from diverse or underrepresented authors. It is full for picture book scripts, but actively looking for YA in any genre, middle grade with a strong concept or hook, epic middle-grade fantasy, younger 5-7 stories around 5,000 words, voice-led YA, high-concept YA, contemporary love stories, and romantasy.
Email info@lindsayliteraryagency.co.uk. For novels, attach the first three chapters and a single-page synopsis as two separate double-spaced Word documents, and put a covering letter in the email body with brief author information and a 2-3 sentence pitch. Picture book submissions should include a covering letter and complete story in Word format, illustrators should send small PDF samples and a link to online work. Postal submissions are not accepted.
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.
Fiction, children's fiction, children's non-fiction
Smart romance with an edge, fresh and page-turning crime fiction, horror and literary horror with a contemporary resonance, and literary fiction that is funny and moving with a brand new hook. In children's books, a funny and engaging author-illustrator with a fresh series for young readers (5+), middle grade fiction with strong world-building and characters we haven't seen before, grounded YA fantasy, high-concept YA contemporary, and books about unusual relationships. In children's non-fiction, books that tackle curriculum subjects in a new and engaging way, and real-life stories for middle grade and YA readers. No longer accepting picture books.
Email submissions@colwillandpeddle.com with subject line 'Fiction or Children's Submission' (delete as applicable). Include a cover letter, a one-page synopsis, and the first chapter of your work.
Fiction and non-fiction
Pacy romcoms, dark literary, historical forgotten perspectives, under-represented voices, non-fiction provoking discussion (memoir/polemic/recovered histories/culture studies/self-help)
Email af.submission@dhhliteraryagency.com with cover letter, one-page synopsis, and first three chapters for fiction. For non-fiction, send a proposal including an overview, author bio, chapter breakdown, sources, sample chapter, comparable titles, media links, and any praise.
Humorous fiction, action fiction, commercial fiction
Books with humour, particularly when it is edgy, smart, and driven by characters' own actions, flaws, and foibles. Strong-voiced action stories that create genuine connection with a character before placing them in peril, with premises that explore "what if" scenarios to their extremes. Narratives that deliver surprises in a satisfying, inevitable way.
Other submissions
Children's (mg or ya or crossover), adult commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction
Genre fiction and crossover children's, boy-led MG, teen fiction, graphic novel/illustrated MG or younger YA, quirky fantasy, dark/off-beat romantic comedy, domestic noir, cultural history/narrative non-fiction with strong voice
Email submissions@nurnberg.co.uk with a cover letter in the body of the email, a one-page synopsis and first three chapters or up to 50 pages as attachments. Mark the subject line FAO Gyamfia Osei. For non-fiction, send an overview, chapter outlines, and three sample chapters.
Children's fiction, middle grade, ya, adult fiction
Children: singular/underrepresented voices, powerful ideas. Adult: commercial women's fiction, uplit, sagas, romance (contemporary, romcom, historical)
Email catherine@marjacq.com with a covering letter in the body of the email, the first fifty pages of the manuscript and a synopsis (for fiction) attached as Word or PDF documents, with total file size not exceeding 2MB.
Fiction, non-fiction, illustration
Full manuscript/portfolio; brief description of the work; brief bio (per contact page).
Full manuscript or portfolio, brief description of the work, and brief bio
Picture books, middle grade, ya, adult romance, adult romantasy, adult fantasy
Extraordinary, diverse stories, strong preference for underrepresented voices, see on-site wishlist for specifics (MG/YA, adult romance/romantasy/fantasy etc.)
Submit via QueryManager at http://querymanager.com or aliceashliterary, or by email to submissions@ashliterary.com. Do not submit via both routes simultaneously.
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.
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, non-fiction
Email submissions@nurnberg.co.uk with your covering letter in the body of the email, a 1-page synopsis attached, and the first three chapters or 50 pages attached. Address the submission to Alex Stephens and make this clear in the subject line. For non-fiction, send an overview, chapter outlines, and three sample chapters instead.
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
Sff, speculative fiction, horror, middle grade, ya, crossover fiction, graphic novels
Adult SFF, speculative fiction and horror, children's middle grade, YA and crossover fiction, and graphic novels across all age ranges. Actively seeks authors and author-illustrators from diverse and traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.
Email submissions directly to katie@theampersandagency.co.uk. Note: she does not represent children's picture books or short stories not fitting the above genres.
Children's fiction, children's non-fiction, picture books, graphic novels, ya, middle grade, adult sff, adult fantasy
Wants: Children's: fiction/non-fiction/picture books/graphic novels; not currently taking picture-book-text-only creators. adult: imaginative SFF with thoughtful society/humanity themes; cosy or dark; witches/magicians/werewolves/teashops welcomed
A middle grade or YA standalone reflecting the experience of growing up in a multicultural or multifaith household. A character-led teen series in which the protagonist pursues an exciting career, in the vein of Geek Girl or Alex Rider. Dark academia for YA or adult with detailed worldbuilding and an emphasis on the dark. Palestinian voices in any age group or genre.
Email christabelsubmissions@davidhigham.co.uk with your submission. Note that writers focusing solely on picture book texts are not currently being taken on.
Children's and ya fiction, na or crossover, commercial women's fiction, narrative non-fiction
MG: voice-driven with heart/humour, contemporary or MG fantasy series. YA: friendships/firsts/feels, high-concept/speculative romance or thriller. NA and commercial women's: romance-forward with unusual circumstances, romcom (college/university), darkly comic new-parenthood, also speculative/historical romance. Romantasy: romance-forward, grounded magic, morally grey. Non-fiction: extraordinary challenges/adventures, experts in STEM/history/pop culture/mental health. Not sci-fi, crime fiction, picture books
Email submission@bell-lomax.co.uk with a covering letter in the email body, a short synopsis (including full plot details), and the first three chapters (no more than 50 pages, double spaced) as a Word document or PDF. Do not address the submission to more than one agent.
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.
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.
Sff, romance
SFF across genres for all ages, romance including romcom/paranormal/romantic suspense/dark/historical/fantasy, wants big worlds, strong hooks and distinctive voice
Online form - https://www.madeleinemilburn.co.uk or submissions/
Fiction and non-fiction
Crossover romantasy/romance/dark academia, SFF with strong hook, gothic/horror/thriller, magical MG, adventure, funny books all ages, inspiring non-fiction all ages, diverse authors
Online form - https://www.madeleinemilburn.co.uk or submissions/
Middle grade, ya, crossover, new adult, picture book, adventure, mystery, horror
Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first 3 chapters or 20 pages
Kat is actively building her own list from middle grade through YA, crossover and New Adult, with a character-led taste and interest in adventure, mystery, darker YA and select picture book authors.
Email Kat directly at kat@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.
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.
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.
Poetry, picture books, young fiction, middle grade fiction, ya fiction, children's non-fiction, author-illustrators
Wants: Children's fiction/non-fiction; picture books; first 3 chapters for fiction
Poetry, picture books, young fiction, middle grade fiction, YA fiction and non-fiction for children, and author-illustrators who both write and illustrate their own work as well as illustrate for other authors
Send a short synopsis, first 3 chapters for fiction (excluding prologues), or full manuscript for picture books, plus a covering letter with full contact details including email address. Submit electronically to john.mclay@btinternet.com or by post, if posting include a stamped self-addressed envelope.
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.
Illustrators, children's illustration, picture books
Wants: Pdf portfolio, website link, art samples
Children's illustration artists who can work in publishing contexts. Her background covers publishing, art, and agenting.
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.
Illustrators, children's illustration, middle grade, non-fiction, poetry
Wants: Pdf portfolio, website link, art samples
Artists and visual storytellers for children's books, with a background in Middle Grade fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and illustrated storytelling.
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.
Illustrators, children's illustration, children's books
Wants: Pdf portfolio, website link, art samples
Children's illustration artists and publishing projects, with experience in children's trade titles and digital illustration.
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.
Illustrators, children's illustration, educational publishing, religious publishing
Wants: Pdf portfolio, website link, art samples
Artists for children's illustration projects, especially work that connects clients and artists for education and religion publishing.
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.
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
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