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John Berlyne

Closed
Zeno Agency Ltd.·UK

Agent profile summary

Represents
fantasySFhorrorcrimethrillerhistorical fiction
+2 moreurban fantasyspace opera
Looking for
Plot-driven narratives where a character faces a problem and the story is driven by forward momentum. Considers all kinds of fantasy and SF but not Tolkien derivatives; likes cool monsters, heavy magic, and magic seeping into contemporary life. Will read urban fantasy but only at the highest quality. Open to space opera, horror, thrillers, crime, historical fiction, and combinations thereof. Not interested in political treatise disguised as fiction, overly whimsical writing, or failed comedy.
How to submit
Email berlyne@zenoagency.com following the agency's submission guidelines. Currently closed to submissions.
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Last checked 26 Jun 2026·Last verified: 26 Jun 2026
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John Berlyne is a literary agent at Zeno Agency Ltd. based in UK. Their list focuses on genres including fantasy, SF, and horror. Currently closed to submissions, with responses usually within Up to 12 weeks. Submissions via Email. For current guidelines, check the agent's own submission page linked below.

Age Categories

Adult, YA

Response Time

Usually responds within Up to 12 weeks

Notes

John Berlyne represents an exceptionally high-profile client list including Brandon Sanderson, William Gibson, Charlaine Harris, Ben Aaronovitch, Peter V. Brett, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Tim Powers, and the estates of Roger Zelazny and Algis Budrys. He is also Company Director of Zeno Agency. While he will consider YA, he rarely represents it and warns the bar is extremely high.

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crime & thrillerhorrorscience fictionfantasyhistorical fictionhistoryyoung adult (ya)

This profile was last verified on 26 Jun 2026. PairPi tracks UK literary agents' submission guidelines against their own websites. If you spot something wrong, please email hello@pairpi.com.