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Agent profile summary

Represents
literary fictionspeculative fictionnarrative nonfictionsubject-led nonfictionpoetry
Looking for
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.
How to submit
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.
Last checked 9 Jul 2026·Last verified: 9 Jul 2026

Chris Wellbelove is a literary agent at Aitken Alexander Associates based in UK. Their list focuses on genres including literary fiction, speculative fiction, and narrative nonfiction. Currently open to submissions, with responses usually within 3 months; no response means a pass. Submissions via Email. For current guidelines, check the agent's own submission page linked below.

Age Categories

Adult

Response Time

Usually responds within 3 months; no response means a pass

Manuscript Wishlist

Literary-spectrum fiction (incl speculative); narrative-forward nonfiction with original idea/voice; not currently taking on new poets

Submission Tips

Submission route: Email (agency submissions), submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk AAA submissions: email submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk FAO chosen agent; attach first 3 chapters/50pp + synopsis (fiction) or proposal/sample (non-fiction). Agent page lists assistant but requests you do not submit to assistant directly.

Notes

Wellbelove's list includes Gary Stevenson (The Trading Game, Sunday Times number one bestseller), Kaliane Bradley (The Ministry of Time, Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller, Barack Obama pick), Sophie Elmhirst (A Marriage at Sea, Nero Gold Prize winner, Barack Obama pick, New York Times 10 Best Books of 2025), Daisy Johnson, Evie Wyld, the Secret Barrister, and poets including Liz Berry and Kayo Chingonyi. He has recently worked on the Secret Barrister's first legal thriller, signalling openness to elevated genre fiction.

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This profile was last verified on 9 Jul 2026. PairPi tracks UK literary agents' submission guidelines against their own websites. If you spot something wrong, please email hello@pairpi.com.