Ben Illis

Represents

Age Categories

Middle Grade, YA

Looking For

Middle grade fiction (7+/9+), middle grade non-fiction, teen/YA fiction. Does not accept picture books, under-7s, adult books, poetry/rhyming, or hard copy. UK/Europe-based clients only

Submission Details

Submit via

Online Form

Response time

a couple of months

Last verified

19 Apr 2026Recently verified

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.