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C&W Agency·UK

Agent profile summary

Represents
literary fictionfictionnonfictionmemoir
How to submit
Email
Recently verified·Last verified: 16 May 2026

Clare Conville is a literary agent at C&W Agency based in UK. Their list focuses on genres including literary fiction, fiction, and nonfiction. Currently closed to submissions, with responses usually within 2 months. Submissions via Email. For current guidelines, check the agent's own submission page linked below.

Age Categories

Adult

Response Time

Usually responds within 2 months

Notes

Clare Conville founded C&W (originally Conville & Walsh) in 2000 and is now Chair; the Observer named her one of the top 50 players in the world of books. Her client list includes Matt Haig, Dolly Alderton, Esther Freud, Rachel Joyce, and Misha Glenny, with authors collectively nominated for nearly every major UK literary prize. In 2020 she co-founded the independent publishing imprint and production company CHEERIO in association with the Estate of Francis Bacon. Writers should also be aware that her email address has been used in scam messages targeting new authors — any suspicious correspondence can be verified via elizabeth.milne@cwagency.co.uk.

Other agents at C&W Agency

C&W Agency

Open
RepresentsNon-fiction, art, photography, music, style
Looking forNon-fiction with a focus on art, photography, music, style, and the unusual or unexpected
How to submitEmail carriek@cwagency.co.uk with your submission in .doc or .docx format. For non-fiction include a 30-page proposal covering the book's premise, your credentials, comparable titles, a sample chapter, and a chapter outline. Include a covering letter with background on the book and any writing credentials.
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C&W Agency

Open
RepresentsFiction, narrative non-fiction
Looking forThrillers, mystery, suspense, knotty relationship and family novels, big-ideas non-fiction, memoir, pop science, food writing. Not children's or YA.
How to submitEmail emma.submissions@cwagency.co.uk with the first three chapters (or approximately 50 pages) and a synopsis for fiction, or a 30-page proposal for non-fiction, plus a covering letter. Attach files in .doc or .docx format. Do not submit to more than one agent.
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RepresentsLiterary fiction, commercial women's fiction, contemporary fiction, family drama, historical fiction, crime fiction, thrillers, suspense, magical realism, speculative fiction, SFF, horror, gothic fiction, romantasy, fantasy, science fiction
Looking forSusan Armstrong seeks strong prose, compelling storytelling, vivid characters, and originality of vision. She welcomes novels that blend genres, feature unusual settings or circumstances, contain unexpected twists, possess some darkness, and present moral dilemmas. Books that evoke laughter are particularly appreciated.
How to submitSend all submissions to susan.submissions@cwagency.co.uk.
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C&W Agency

Closed
RepresentsLiterary fiction, commercial fiction, crime, thrillers, narrative nonfiction, nature writing, travel, history, anthropology, art, memoir, environment
Looking forVoice-driven fiction that introduces readers to different perspectives and singular narrators, beautifully written literary fiction with a strong sense of place, and commercial crime and thrillers that keep the reader on the edge of their seats. Narrative nonfiction that straddles genre, especially nature writing, travel, history, anthropology, art and the environment. Memoir and books by experts and specialists. Would love to find a compelling all-consuming love story, or a food writer of the calibre of Bill Buford or Anthony Bourdain. Does not represent children's, YA or fantasy fiction.
How to submitSubmissions are currently closed until 1st April 2026. When open, submit by email to sophie.lambert@cwagency.co.uk.
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RepresentsLiterary fiction, contemporary fiction, memoir, history, non-fiction
Looking forSarah Ballard seeks work with a sense of urgency and an attempt to make change in the world. She is drawn to fiction with compelling plot or structure overlaying big ideas, memoir-style non-fiction with obsession that unfolds hidden agendas, and meticulously researched history that changes worldviews. She has particular interest in feminism and feminist approaches but enjoys exploring completely new ideas and angles.
How to submitSend the full manuscript for novels plus a one-page synopsis giving the complete story arc, or a proposal including sample text for non-fiction. Include information about your writing experience and explain why you think you would be a good match. Email submissions to ballardofficesubmissions@cwagency.co.uk for the attention of Sarah Ballard and her assistant Liv Bignold.
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Agents with overlapping taste

David Higham Associates

Open
RepresentsFiction, children's, non-fiction
Looking forLiterary and genre fiction (incl historical, horror, speculative), multi-generational, high-concept book club, domestic dramas, crime/thrillers with a twist, non-fiction including history/true crime/current affairs/travel/food/psychology/feminism/memoir, children's high-concept with humour/heart
How to submitEmail veroniquemanuscripts@davidhigham.co.uk with a covering letter, a 1-2 page synopsis, and the first 3 chapters.
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Rachel Mills Literary (RML)

Open
RepresentsFiction, literary memoir, narrative nonfiction
Looking forActively seeking wide-ranging fiction: excellent writing, compelling plots, diverse/unexpected voices, engrossing reads, especially literary/commercial crossover, romantasy, psychological thrillers/suspense, family dramas, savvy love stories, ambitious crime/thriller, smart historical/speculative/magical realism. Not looking for children's/YA/MG, short story collections, poetry or drama, no straight sci-fi or high fantasy that is not romantasy
How to submitEmail nelle@rmliterary.co.uk with a one-page outline, the first 3 chapters or 50 pages, and a covering letter.
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Susanna Lea Associates (London)

Open
RepresentsFiction and narrative non-fiction
Looking forGeneral fiction, book club, literary fiction, smart clean or lyrical prose, interesting form/structure, character-driven with unusual protagonists, stories exploring gender/race/class/sexuality, selective memoir/nature/social commentary
How to submitEmail a concise cover letter with contact details and relevant background, a brief synopsis, and either the first three chapters or a detailed proposal to london@susannalea.com. Do not submit to more than one office.
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Curtis Brown

Open
RepresentsNon-fiction and select fiction
Looking forNon-fiction: compelling narrative history, ideas books on urgent questions, absorbing biography and memoir, pop culture, humour, and entertainment. Fiction: memorable characters on gripping journeys, principally crime or literary-commercial crossover. Not considering children's, YA, sci-fi/fantasy, or screenplays
How to submitSend your work and a covering letter to wiseofficesubmissions@curtisbrown.co.uk. Gordon Wise and his team are taking on only a couple of fiction writers a year. They are not considering submissions for Children's, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, or screenplays. If you have not heard back within four to six weeks, this means they are unable to offer representation.
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MBA Literary Agents

Open
RepresentsNonfiction, sport, memoir, autobiography, literary fiction
Looking forSport and a broad range of nonfiction, including journalism, sports figures, actors, TV personalities, doctors, business figures, and military history. Also novelists, and memoir and autobiography from public figures with a distinctive story to tell.
How to submitEmail submissions@mbalit.co.uk with first three chapters and synopsis as Word, PDF, or Final Draft attachments, covering letter in the email body, and the email marked for the attention of David Riding.
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International Creative Agency

Open
RepresentsFiction and non-fiction
Looking forNon-fiction: memoir/autobiography, subject-led expert non-fiction (economics, history, food, fashion, relationships), some thrillers/horror. Fiction: exceptional literary voices, ambitious storytelling, Irish writing, genre with depth
How to submitSubmit via QueryManager. For non-fiction, prepare a proposal of up to 20 pages including an overview or hook (query letter), chapter outline (synopsis), one to two sample chapters as an attachment, and an author bio with platform. For fiction, prepare a cover letter with a short pitch and author bio, a one-page synopsis, and the first 1,200 words or first two chapters (whichever is shortest) as an attachment. Visit https://www.internationalcreative.agency or submissions to access the QueryManager link.
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This profile was last verified on 16 May 2026. PairPi tracks UK literary agents' submission guidelines against their own websites. If you spot something wrong, please email hello@pairpi.com.