Ben Illis
ClosedThe BIA·UK
Agent profile summary
- Represents
- middle grade fictionmiddle grade non-fictionYA
- How to submit
- Online Form
Recently verified·Last verified: 31 May 2026
Ben Illis is a literary agent at The BIA based in UK. Their list focuses on middle grade fiction, middle grade non-fiction, and YA. Currently closed to submissions, with responses usually within a couple of months. Submissions via Online Form. For current guidelines, check the agent's own submission page linked below.
Age Categories
Middle Grade, YA
Response Time
Usually responds within a couple of months
Notes
Submissions page states submissions are currently closed ('July 2021' notice) and advises submissions will not be successful until reopened; when open, submit via the form on the submissions page (Word docs only). Ben has a background as a trained actor, bookseller (Books Etc, London), co-founder of Old Street Publishing, and freelance travel writer before moving into agenting in 2010. He is particularly drawn to diverse and marginalised voices, lyrical writing, myth and folklore, strong world-building, and genuine humour. He actively maintains connections with creative writing degree programmes and speaks regularly at writers' festivals and conferences.
Other agents at The BIA
The BIA
Closed
RepresentsMiddle grade fiction, middle grade non-fiction, YA, teen fiction
Looking forMiddle Grade fiction for ages 7+ and 9+, Middle Grade non-fiction including biographies and handbooks, and teen and Young Adult fiction for ages 12+, 14+, and 16+. All genres and sub-genres considered within these age ranges. Writers must be based primarily in the UK or Europe.
How to submitSubmissions are currently closed. When open, submit via the online form at http://www.the-bia.com or submissions. Include the opening 50 pages or 3 chapters as a Word document, a synopsis of no more than one side of A4 (fiction), or a detailed 2-page proposal (non-fiction), plus book title, intended readership, and a brief author biography. Files must be labelled with full title and author name, sent as Word documents only, in standard formatting, single line spacing, 12-point font. One submission per writer.
Recently verified
The BIA
Open
RepresentsHumorous fiction, action fiction, commercial fiction
Looking forBooks 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.
How to submitOther submissions
Recently verified
RepresentsVisit agent's website for details
Looking forSee source page for more info
How to submitCheck agent's submission page
Recently verified
Agents with overlapping taste
Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency
Open
RepresentsAdult fiction, non-fiction, YA, middle grade, children's
Looking forJennifer 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.
How to submitPlease 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.
Recently verified
Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency
Closed
RepresentsFiction, nonfiction, children's books, illustration
Looking forAriana Philips represents a diverse range of award-winning fiction and nonfiction for adults and children, as well as talented illustrators. She loves to find new talent and work with clients to develop strong manuscripts and proposals. Her philosophy is to take on an author for the duration of their career and help guide them through the ever-changing publishing landscape.
How to submitAriana Philips is an agent at the Jean V.
Recently verified
ASH Literary
RepresentsChildren's and YA
Looking forVisit agent's website for details
How to submitQueryManager or email (agency) - submissions@ashliterary.com
Recently verified
Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency
Open
RepresentsAdult fiction, non-fiction, YA, middle grade
Looking forAlice 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.
How to submitSubmit 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.
Recently verified
Darley Anderson Children's Book Agency
Open
RepresentsChildren's books
Looking forSee agent wishlist / agency guidelines; actively seeking new clients (per submissions page)
How to submitSubmit via QueryManager at https://querymanager.com or query or 2304
Recently verified
Antony Harwood Literary Agency
Open
RepresentsFiction and non-fiction
Looking forMost genres/categories for adults and younger readers (excludes plays, screenplays, poetry, 'self-help' non-fiction, picture books)
How to submitEmail 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.
Recently verified
Browse by genre
This profile was last verified on 31 May 2026. PairPi tracks UK literary agents' submission guidelines against their own websites. If you spot something wrong, please email hello@pairpi.com.