Gillon Aitken
OpenAitken Alexander Associates·UK
Agent profile summary
- Represents
- How to submit
Needs verification·Last verified: 4 May 2026
Gillon Aitken is a literary agent at Aitken Alexander Associates based in UK. Currently open to submissions, with responses usually within Three months. Submissions via Email. For current guidelines, check the agent's own submission page linked below.
Response Time
Usually responds within Three months
Notes
Aitken Alexander Associates is a boutique agency with a strong track record in discovering debut talent; recent finds from the submissions inbox include Natasha Brown, Cherie Jones, and Ailsa McFarlane, all of whom were sold to publishers in the UK, US, and in translation. The agency is highly selective and does not correspond with writers whose work it does not wish to pursue. Screenwriting submissions are handled specifically by Lesley Thorne and are open to writers of comparable calibre to the agency's existing novelists and non-fiction authors.
Other agents at Aitken Alexander Associates
Aitken Alexander Associates
Open
RepresentsFiction, non-fiction, poetry
Looking forStory-led and character-driven novels, rich worldbuilding (realist/speculative, contemporary/historical). Non-fiction: history, politics, philosophy, psychology, true crime, narrative sports writing, literary biography, academics, journalists, critics
How to submitEmail submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk with the subject line marked FAO Emma Paterson. For fiction, attach the first three chapters or fifty pages plus a short synopsis as Word-compatible files. For narrative non-fiction, send a short overview and up to 10,000 words of sample writing, for subject-led non-fiction, send a proposal of approximately 5,000 words outlining the book and your credentials, plus at least 5,000 words of sample writing. Include a cover letter with a brief book description, any writing credits or relevant qualifications, and a short biographical note. Note whether you are submitting simultaneously to other agencies.
Recently verified
Aitken Alexander Associates
Open
RepresentsLiterary fiction and narrative non-fiction
Looking forFiction: stunning sentences, convincing narratives, on-the-page magic. Non-fiction: narrative, personal accounts with political context, transporting/teaching. Original voices and captivating storytelling
How to submitEmail submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk with the subject line marked FAO Lisa Baker. For fiction, attach the first three chapters or up to fifty pages plus a short synopsis as Word-compatible files. For narrative non-fiction, include a short overview and up to 10,000 words of sample writing, for subject-led non-fiction, a proposal of approximately 5,000 words and at least 5,000 words of sample writing. Include a cover letter with a brief book description, any writing credits or qualifications, and a short biographical note. Submit to one agent only, do not contact agents' assistants directly.
Recently verified
Aitken Alexander Associates
Open
RepresentsFiction and non-fiction
Looking forFiction: literary/upmarket with escapism and page-turning readability, big high-stakes love stories from original angles. Non-fiction: writers shifting public discourse, health, medicine, history, politics, biographies/memoirs, cookery, art, music, lifestyle with a strong angle
How to submitEmail submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk with subject line marked FAO Monica MacSwan. For fiction, attach the first three chapters or fifty pages plus a short synopsis. For narrative non-fiction, attach a short overview and up to 10,000 words of sample writing. For subject-led non-fiction, attach a proposal of approximately 5,000 words and no less than 5,000 words of sample writing. Include a cover letter with a brief description of the book, any writing credits or qualifications, and a short biographical note. All attachments should be Microsoft Word compatible.
Recently verified
Aitken Alexander Associates
RepresentsFiction and non-fiction, screenwriting, film/TV rights, estates
Looking forFor screen: high-end/intelligent drama, smart genre, entertaining/comedy drama. Publishing list selective currently
How to submitEmail submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk with subject line FAO Lesley Thorne. For fiction, include the first 3 chapters or up to 50 pages and a short synopsis. For narrative non-fiction, include an overview and up to 10,000 words of sample material. For subject-led non-fiction, include a proposal of around 5,000 words and a sample of at least 5,000 words. No postal submissions.
Recently verified
Aitken Alexander Associates
RepresentsFiction and non-fiction
Looking forSelective due to large list. Fiction that surprises (especially fierce female voices), beautifully written memoir/history/biography. Does not want: imitative fiction, how-to/inspirational/wellness non-fiction
How to submitEmail submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk with Clare Alexander in the subject line. For fiction, include the first three chapters or fifty pages plus a short synopsis as Word-compatible attachments. For narrative non-fiction, send a short overview and up to 10,000 words of sample writing. For subject-led non-fiction, send a proposal of approximately 5,000 words plus 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 or their assistant.
Recently verified
Aitken Alexander Associates
Open
RepresentsLiterary fiction, narrative non-fiction, poetry
Looking forLiterary fiction with clarity, energy and intention, ambitious structure/craft, tactile/idiosyncratic sentences, strange/spooked books, big family novels and love stories, literary genre-bending. Non-fiction: literary biography, social/cultural/oral history, creative scholarship, memoir/essay, interests include art, design, psychoanalysis, food, women's lives
How to submitEmail submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk with subject line marked FAO Harriet Moore. Include a cover letter with a short book description, any writing credits or qualifications, and a brief bio. For fiction, attach the first three chapters or 50 pages plus a short synopsis. For narrative non-fiction, attach a short overview and up to 10,000 words of sample writing. For subject-led non-fiction, attach a proposal of approximately 5,000 words and at least 5,000 words of sample writing. Attachments should be Microsoft Word compatible. Submit to one agent only, no postal submissions. If you have not heard back within three months, treat this as a pass.
Recently verified
This profile was last verified on 4 May 2026. PairPi tracks UK literary agents' submission guidelines against their own websites. If you spot something wrong, please email hello@pairpi.com.