UK Children's Literary Agents

Children's books, narrative nonfiction, biography, sport, music, autobiography, crime fiction, weird fiction

Wants: Synopsis, first three chapters, covering letter, detailed outline, sample material

Paul Moreton is Managing Director of Bell Lomax Moreton. He is interested in children's books across all age ranges, narrative nonfiction, biography, sport, music, autobiography, crime fiction, and anything a bit weird and wonderful.

Email submissions@belllomaxmoreton.co.uk. For fiction, children's and young adult fiction, or narrative nonfiction, send a short synopsis including the full plot for fiction, the first three chapters or no more than 50 pages double spaced, and a covering letter with any previous publications. For illustrated nonfiction send a detailed outline, sample material if available, and previous publication information. Query one Bell Lomax Moreton agent at a time.

Fiction, non-fiction, cookery, children's

Open to fiction, non-fiction, cookery and children's. Works with journalists, broadcasters, activists, artists, sportspeople, entrepreneurs and content creators.

Email submissions, rights enquiries, and author queries to oscar@oscarjansonsmith.com.

Children's fiction

Children's fiction from emerging readers to YA/crossover. Not picture books

Email - submissions@skylark-literary.com

Commercial fiction, romance, saga, crime, thriller, book club fiction, children's fiction, ya, non-fiction, business, finance, self-help, wellbeing, lifestyle, cookery

Commercial fiction (romance/saga, crime/thriller, book club), children's novels 9+ to YA, non-fiction including business/finance, self-help/wellbeing, lifestyle/cookery. Not sci-fi, short stories, or poetry

Email submissions@susanyearwoodagency.com with your name and title or genre in the subject line (e.g. Joe Bloggs, The Title, Book Club fiction). Attach the first 30 pages and a separately titled synopsis or outline. Include a cover email with a pitch sentence, a brief description of the submission, comparative authors published in the last three years, your writing background, and a paragraph on why you wrote the book. Attachments should be Word or PDF, 1.5 or double-spaced, with page numbers. Let the agent know if you are also submitting to other agents.

Nonfiction, illustrated books, fashion, biography, autobiography, crafts, health, cookery, children's picture books, history, natural history, popular culture, true crime, select fiction, illustrators

Wants: Publishing history, CV, synopsis, three sample chapters

Isabel Atherton is an experienced literary agent and founder of Creative Authors. The agency represents commercially strong titles in fashion, biography especially music, autobiography, crafts, health, cookery, children's picture books, history, natural history, popular culture, true crime, select fiction, and illustrators. Creative Authors is not currently looking for new fiction clients but is considering well-crafted nonfiction and illustrated books. It is not looking for fantasy, science fiction, poetry, short stories, plays, scripts, or fiction at present.

Submit through the Creative Authors Join Us form with publishing history and CV, synopsis, and three sample chapters. Creative Authors does not accept paper submissions, does not charge a reading fee, and asks writers not to telephone about unsolicited submissions.

Writers, presenters and journalists (books and related rights)

Not poetry, plays, original screenplays, scripts, or children's picture books

Email submissions@barbaralevyagency.com or post to Barbara Levy Literary Agency, 64 Greenhill, Hampstead High Street, London NW3 5TZ. Include background and career information, a synopsis, and the first three chapters (approximately 50 pages), double spaced with numbered pages. Note if submitting simultaneously to other agents. Include an email address or stamped addressed envelope if you want materials returned.

Children's books (and illustrated concepts)

Engaging, original illustrated stories and concepts across genres, children's editorial and illustration focus

Email your submission to submission@bell-lomax.co.uk. For fiction, children's fiction, YA, and narrative non-fiction send a short synopsis (including full plot details), the first three chapters (no more than 50 pages, double spaced), and a covering letter with details of any previously published work, all as Word documents or PDFs. For picture books, send the full text of up to three manuscripts in one email, sample illustrations (if available) as PDF, PNG, or JPG, and a covering letter. Do not use WeTransfer or Google Drive links.

Children's fiction, children's nonfiction, young adult, middle grade, picture books, illustrators

Wants: Covering letter, brief pitch, first three chapters, synopsis, complete picture book text, illustration samples

Becky Bagnell founded Lindsay Literary Agency. The agency specialises in writing for children, from picture books to Young Adult fiction and nonfiction for young people. It is currently open to submissions, particularly from diverse or underrepresented authors. It is full for picture book scripts, but actively looking for YA in any genre, middle grade with a strong concept or hook, epic middle-grade fantasy, younger 5-7 stories around 5,000 words, voice-led YA, high-concept YA, contemporary love stories, and romantasy.

Email info@lindsayliteraryagency.co.uk. For novels, attach the first three chapters and a single-page synopsis as two separate double-spaced Word documents, and put a covering letter in the email body with brief author information and a 2-3 sentence pitch. Picture book submissions should include a covering letter and complete story in Word format, illustrators should send small PDF samples and a link to online work. Postal submissions are not accepted.

Children's fiction and non-fiction (to ya or crossover)

Ambitious storytelling, bold structure/voice, fresh takes on genre, author/illustrators, underrepresented/marginalised voices, high-concept contemporary YA romance, horror/thrillers, hooky YA fantasy/speculative, hilarious MG, screen potential

Email - rachelsubmissions@theblairpartnership.com

Fiction, children's books, nonfiction, thriller, suspense, historical fiction, literary fiction, book club fiction, young adult, middle grade, romantasy, memoir, cookery, lifestyle, narrative nonfiction

Wants: Covering letter, synopsis, first three chapters, first fifty pages, outline, sample chapter, bio

Hellie Ogden is co-head of WME UK Books and represents fiction, children's books, and nonfiction. She is actively taking on new clients and wants bold storytelling, moving prose, vivid thought-provoking characters, standout debut work, high-concept thrillers and suspense with fresh hooks and daring twists, historical fiction with original courageous ideas, page-turning literary fiction about millennial experience, nostalgia, sexuality and family complexities, upmarket book club fiction with commercial hooks, female-led mysteries, emotionally deep fiction, YA with big heart and voice, romantasy, middle grade adventure with magic, memoir, standout cookery, lifestyle writers, moving narrative nonfiction, and work with social following and cross-media potential.

Submit through Hellie Ogden's official WME profile or query button. Include the author full name and work title in the email subject line. Fiction submissions should include a covering letter, synopsis, and either the first three chapters or first fifty pages. Nonfiction submissions should include a covering letter, full chapter outline, and if possible a sample chapter. Include a bio with all submissions. Query one WME agent at a time.

Children's and ya fiction, na or crossover, commercial women's fiction, narrative non-fiction

MG: voice-driven with heart/humour, contemporary or MG fantasy series. YA: friendships/firsts/feels, high-concept/speculative romance or thriller. NA and commercial women's: romance-forward with unusual circumstances, romcom (college/university), darkly comic new-parenthood, also speculative/historical romance. Romantasy: romance-forward, grounded magic, morally grey. Non-fiction: extraordinary challenges/adventures, experts in STEM/history/pop culture/mental health. Not sci-fi, crime fiction, picture books

Email submission@bell-lomax.co.uk with a covering letter in the email body, a short synopsis (including full plot details), and the first three chapters (no more than 50 pages, double spaced) as a Word document or PDF. Do not address the submission to more than one agent.

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, crime, thrillers, historical fiction, children's, young adult, non-fiction

Literary and commercial fiction, crime, thrillers, and historical fiction. Particularly excited by debut authors and actively welcomes submissions of the highest standard. Not currently considering science fiction and fantasy.

Submit by email to sam@rcwlitagency.com. Due to the volume of submissions received, you should assume no response within eight weeks indicates a rejection.

Children's fiction, ya, children's non-fiction, picture books, illustration

Wants: Children's and YA writing/illustration; high-quality work with fresh approaches to storytelling/illustration

High-quality writing and illustration that takes a fresh or different approach to storytelling or illustration; the agency does not publish a detailed wishlist because they often do not know what they want until they see it

Email submissions@springliterary.com with a covering email explaining who you are and why you are getting in touch. Fiction: one-page synopsis and 5,000–10,000 word sample chapters in Word (no full manuscript). Non-fiction: synopsis, rationale for writing it, and three sample sections or chapters, optional short CV. Picture books: up to four full texts. Illustrators: portfolio of up to 10 images as PDFs or JPGs, keeping file sizes small.

Fiction and non-fiction

Commercial/book club fiction (edging literary), thrillers with unusual location or speculative edge, historical with real figures, gothic/magical/haunted, speculative love stories, romcoms, fantasy with unique magic/folklore. Non-fiction from experts/creators including food writing, women's health, maternal/sport/mental health. Not sci-fi, erotica, graphic novels, children's/MG/YA, or poetry

Online form - https://www.greenstoneliterary.com or submissions

Fiction and non-fiction

Pacy romcoms, dark literary, historical forgotten perspectives, under-represented voices, non-fiction provoking discussion (memoir/polemic/recovered histories/culture studies/self-help)

Email af.submission@dhhliteraryagency.com with cover letter, one-page synopsis, and first three chapters for fiction. For non-fiction, send a proposal including an overview, author bio, chapter breakdown, sources, sample chapter, comparable titles, media links, and any praise.

Fiction

Character-driven debuts, sweeping stories with big universal themes, high concepts, thought-provoking, uplifting, original narrative voices, emotional journeys. Not: sci-fi, fantasy, children/YA, poetry, plays, screenplays, short stories/novellas, any non-fiction

Read each agent's profile and only submit to one agent from DHH. Follow the individual agent's submission guidelines. Do not submit via phone or the general enquiries email.

Children's (mg or ya or crossover), adult commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction

Genre fiction and crossover children's, boy-led MG, teen fiction, graphic novel/illustrated MG or younger YA, quirky fantasy, dark/off-beat romantic comedy, domestic noir, cultural history/narrative non-fiction with strong voice

Email submissions@nurnberg.co.uk with a cover letter in the body of the email, a one-page synopsis and first three chapters or up to 50 pages as attachments. Mark the subject line FAO Gyamfia Osei. For non-fiction, send an overview, chapter outlines, and three sample chapters.

Non-fiction and children's fiction

Wants: Covering letter, synopsis, book proposal, first three chapters, sample pages

History, philosophy, biography, outstanding nature writing with compelling memoir, experts overturning received wisdom

Use the online portal and address the submission to a specific agent. Fiction: covering letter, one-page synopsis, and first three chapters (maximum 10,000 words). Subject-led non-fiction: covering letter, proposal of no more than 20 pages, and about 5,000 words of sample text. Narrative non-fiction or memoir: covering letter and the first 10,000 words, a proposal or synopsis may also be included. The agency is currently not accepting fantasy, romantasy, SFF, children's or YA submissions.

Children's books

See agent wishlist / agency guidelines; actively seeking new clients (per submissions page)

Submit via QueryManager at https://querymanager.com or query or 2304

Authors and author-illustrators (children's)

Wants: Represents a small list of acclaimed authors and author-illustrators; see agency author list. initial enquiry triggers auto-responder with current guidelines and the submission address.

Authors and author-illustrators producing children's books, both unpublished and established writers seeking representation

Email enquiries@eddisonpearson.com with a brief enquiry. An auto-responder will reply with the current submission address and guidelines. Send your submission to that address, you should receive an acknowledgement within 24 hours. If not, call the agency directly.

Children's fiction, ya, adult fiction, non-fiction

Eclectic, currently: upmarket contemporary, friendships, thoughtful sci-fi/fantasy, sweeping love stories, darkly magical, humorous, memoir/essays (occasional). Avoids gritty/harrowing crime, no picture books or poetry

Email the first three chapters, a 1-2 page synopsis including the full plot outline and ending, and a covering letter (Word format preferred) to submissions.bryony@bryonywoods.co.uk. The covering letter should describe the book, include a short author biography, and note any previous writing experience.

Children's fiction, middle grade, ya, adult fiction

Children: singular/underrepresented voices, powerful ideas. Adult: commercial women's fiction, uplit, sagas, romance (contemporary, romcom, historical)

Email catherine@marjacq.com with a covering letter in the body of the email, the first fifty pages of the manuscript and a synopsis (for fiction) attached as Word or PDF documents, with total file size not exceeding 2MB.

Fiction, non-fiction, illustration

Full manuscript/portfolio; brief description of the work; brief bio (per contact page).

Full manuscript or portfolio, brief description of the work, and brief bio

Fiction and non-fiction

Adult fiction and non-fiction (agency represents adult and children's, not picture books or scripts)

Email - submissions@nurnberg.co.uk

Children's and ya (and some adult)

Middle grade and YA fiction across genres (pref voice/character-driven, contemporary/realistic settings, magical realism, original psychological thrillers, atmospheric horror, light fantasy). Also open to original children/YA non-fiction, selectively adult literary projects

Submit by email via the PFD books submission page at https://petersfraserdunlop.com or submissions or books/, including a cover letter, synopsis, and the first three chapters or approximately 50 pages for fiction, or a detailed proposal for non-fiction.

Fiction, non-fiction

See source page for more info

Email submissions@nurnberg.co.uk with your covering letter in the body of the email, a 1-page synopsis attached, and the first three chapters or 50 pages attached. Address the submission to Alex Stephens and make this clear in the subject line. For non-fiction, send an overview, chapter outlines, and three sample chapters instead.

Fiction, non-fiction, children's fiction 8 and

Distinctive fiction, non-fiction including memoir, history, narrative, biography, lifestyle, sports, self-help, humour, pop culture. Not horror, sci-fi, screenplays, or picture books

Email info@lisarichards.ie. For fiction, include the first three or four chapters, a covering letter, and an SAE if required. For non-fiction, send a detailed proposal, a sample chapter, and a cover letter.

Middle grade, ya, sff, children's

Wants: Per fba new voices bio: YA and commercial adult fiction; romance and fantasy for all ages; smart/engaging/bold with international appeal. note: agency submissions page currently not accepting fantasy/romantasy/SFF or children's/YA.

Actively building a list spanning middle grade, YA and crossover fiction across all genres, and selective adult fiction in the SFF space. Drawn to immersive world-building, complex characters, twisty plots, and stories exploring identity, belonging and transformation.

Submit via the PFD submissions page. Include a covering letter, one-page synopsis, and first three chapters or approximately 10,000 words.

Authors and illustrators across all genres and age ranges, non-fiction

Picture books with strong characterisation, genuine emotional impact, and artwork and stories that feel full of life; non-fiction where artists and authors bring fresh energy to familiar subjects through a new perspective or by experimenting with style and format

Online form - https://thebrightagency.com or uk or submissions or new?division=literary

Adult fiction, adult nonfiction, children's fiction, young adult, german-language authors

Wants: German-language submissions, covering letter, one-page synopsis, first three chapters, first fifty pages, nonfiction proposal, sample chapters

Christina Kruse is a junior agent at Andrew Nurnberg Associates representing a select list of German-language authors. She is open only to submissions written in German. She considers adult fiction and nonfiction as well as children's and YA manuscripts, and is drawn to well-crafted, voice-driven stories with heart, narratives that take place in the margins, and fresh, thoughtful perspectives that go against the grain.

Email submissions@nurnberg.co.uk and address the submission to Christina Kruse in the subject line. Submit German-language work only. Include a covering letter in the email body, a one-page synopsis attached, and the first three chapters or 50 pages attached. For nonfiction, send an overview, chapter outlines, and three sample chapters.

Fiction, children's fiction, children's non-fiction

Smart romance with an edge, fresh and page-turning crime fiction, horror and literary horror with a contemporary resonance, and literary fiction that is funny and moving with a brand new hook. In children's books, a funny and engaging author-illustrator with a fresh series for young readers (5+), middle grade fiction with strong world-building and characters we haven't seen before, grounded YA fantasy, high-concept YA contemporary, and books about unusual relationships. In children's non-fiction, books that tackle curriculum subjects in a new and engaging way, and real-life stories for middle grade and YA readers. No longer accepting picture books.

Email submissions@colwillandpeddle.com with subject line 'Fiction or Children's Submission' (delete as applicable). Include a cover letter, a one-page synopsis, and the first chapter of your work.

Picture books, young fiction, children's fiction, middle grade

Picture books and young fiction, classic storytelling for 8-12 across genres, not right agent for YA

Email jhodges@unitedagents.co.uk

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, book club fiction, contemporary fiction, commercial women's fiction, crime, mystery, thrillers, fantasy, genre romance, historical fiction, horror, ghost stories, sagas, science fiction, biography, memoir, cookery, gardening, gift books, humour, history, military history, lifestyle, mind-body-spirit, self-improvement, politics, popular science, psychology, travel, children's, ya

SF/fantasy, sweeping historical fiction, character-driven sci-fi, action/adventure, crime. Non-fiction: history, biography, music

Email submissions@sheilland.co.uk with a cover letter, a one-page synopsis (fiction) or brief outline (non-fiction), a short CV, and the first three chapters or around fifty pages. Submissions should be 1.5 line spaced with margins and page numbers, and must include a word count. Only one work at a time. No AI-generated content accepted.

Humorous fiction, action fiction, commercial fiction

Books with humour, particularly when it is edgy, smart, and driven by characters' own actions, flaws, and foibles. Strong-voiced action stories that create genuine connection with a character before placing them in peril, with premises that explore "what if" scenarios to their extremes. Narratives that deliver surprises in a satisfying, inevitable way.

Other submissions

Fiction, non-fiction, children's

Fiction, non-fiction and children's across genres, from challenging ideas to 'incredibly fun' storytelling

Email fiction@evewhite.co.uk for fiction submissions, nonfiction@evewhite.co.uk for non-fiction, or childrens@evewhite.co.uk for children's.

Children's fiction, children's non-fiction, picture books, graphic novels, ya, middle grade, adult sff, adult fantasy

Wants: Children's: fiction/non-fiction/picture books/graphic novels; not currently taking picture-book-text-only creators. adult: imaginative SFF with thoughtful society/humanity themes; cosy or dark; witches/magicians/werewolves/teashops welcomed

A middle grade or YA standalone reflecting the experience of growing up in a multicultural or multifaith household. A character-led teen series in which the protagonist pursues an exciting career, in the vein of Geek Girl or Alex Rider. Dark academia for YA or adult with detailed worldbuilding and an emphasis on the dark. Palestinian voices in any age group or genre.

Email christabelsubmissions@davidhigham.co.uk with your submission. Note that writers focusing solely on picture book texts are not currently being taken on.