UK Children's Literary Agents

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Fiction, non-fiction

Wants: Cover letter, first three chapters, synopsis

Adult and children's fiction, along with a small amount of non-fiction — above all, a great story with characters to care deeply about. Bold, distinctive voices, intriguing stories with a strong hook, and flawed characters with something to learn. Truly diverse characters and inclusive, body-positive, joyful representation, as well as big, mind-bending ideas and fresh combinations of genres. Particularly interested in Thrutopias, graphic novels, highly integrated illustrated middle grade or YA fiction, and funny fiction for children and young adults.

Submit via the online form at https://hs-la.com or submissions or during the open window (1st–7th of each month). Include a cover letter, the first three chapters of your manuscript, and a synopsis.

Fiction and non-fiction, children's

Projects with wide international appeal. Fiction: general, mystery, romance, suspense-thriller, fantasy/SF, own voices, children's. Non-fiction: biography, history, mind-body-spirit, health, lifestyle, science

Email - submissions@sheilland.co.uk

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.

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.

Children's fiction, ya, middle grade, chapter books, graphic novels, cosy crime, crime fiction

Wants: See agent page for currently-open genres; query must match listed genres. does not represent picture books

Big-concept commercial series fiction for children and YA, with particular interest in middle grade across all subgenres — mystery, fantasy, historical, funny, adventure, verse, illustrated, animal perspectives — especially with a strong voice or hook. Chapter books with series potential for ages 7 and up, and graphic novels across all children's and YA age ranges. In YA, contemporary novels including rom-coms with a hook, high-concept stories with strong friendships or sibling relationships, mysteries, thrillers, and light speculative fiction; will consider historical YA with action. For adult, only open to cosy crime, smart contemporary crime with humour, crime with a fantasy twist, and crime with a sci-fi element — nothing dark or gritty, no child death or gratuitous violence. Not open to picture books, YA fantasy, contemporary adult fiction, adult non-fiction, literary novels, romance, or poetry.

Email gemmaqueries@gemmacooperliterary.com with the book title, a short pitch, a brief author bio, and the first ten pages pasted into the body of the email — no attachments. Graphic novel or illustrated non-fiction submissions may include a link to a website or social media where work is shared, or attach up to five low-res images. Emails sent to info@gemmacooperliterary.com will be deleted unread.

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.

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.

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, crime, sci-fi, short story collections, poetry, narrative non-fiction, history, travel, food, nature writing, investigative journalism, popular science, popular psychology, children's, ya

Wants: Cover letter and ~500-word synopsis and first 3 chapters; include contact details

Literary, book club, and commercial fiction including thrillers and YA; short story collections and poetry; narrative non-fiction with strong style; well-crafted crime and sci-fi; history, politics, science, psychology, true crime, travel, food, nature writing, investigative journalism, and popular psychology. Writers for children and young adults are also welcome.

Submit by email or post. The postal address is 29 Wardour Street, London W1D 6PS. For email, visit georginacapel.com or contact to find the address.

Writers, presenters and journalists (books and related rights)

Wants: Background/career info and synopsis and first 3 chapters (~50 pages). not poetry, plays, original screenplays, scripts, or children's picture books.

Books and related rights for writers, presenters and journalists, including TV and radio representation. Does not represent poetry, plays, original screenplays, scripts, or picture books for children.

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

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.

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

Children's authors and illustrators

Children's/YA book projects (UK and Ireland only)

Email submissions@alicewilliamsliterary.co.uk with a covering email briefly introducing the submission (genre, age, word count) and a little about yourself. Fiction: pitch in the body of the email, attach the full manuscript as a Word doc (double line spacing) and a one-side A4 synopsis. Picture book texts: attach two or three texts as separate Word documents. Non-fiction: provide an overview of concept, length, structure, readership, and sample spreads or chapters. Illustrators: include a portfolio link and optionally a low-res PDF dummy. Do not use AI-generated text or illustrations in your submission.

Middle grade, ya, crossover, new adult, picture book, adventure, mystery, horror

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first 3 chapters or 20 pages

Kat is actively building her own list from middle grade through YA, crossover and New Adult, with a character-led taste and interest in adventure, mystery, darker YA and select picture book authors.

Email Kat directly at kat@darleyanderson.com. For novels, send the first three chapters or first twenty pages plus a one-page synopsis. Picture book writers may send up to three full texts.

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.

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.

Poetry, picture books, young fiction, middle grade fiction, ya fiction, children's non-fiction, author-illustrators

Wants: Children's fiction/non-fiction; picture books; first 3 chapters for fiction

Poetry, picture books, young fiction, middle grade fiction, YA fiction and non-fiction for children, and author-illustrators who both write and illustrate their own work as well as illustrate for other authors

Send a short synopsis, first 3 chapters for fiction (excluding prologues), or full manuscript for picture books, plus a covering letter with full contact details including email address. Submit electronically to john.mclay@btinternet.com or by post, if posting include a stamped self-addressed envelope.

Picture books, novelty, pre-school, middle grade, narrative non-fiction, general non-fiction, gift, comics, graphic novels, activity books

Exceptional children's book creators, with a particular interest in inventive approaches to familiar themes, passion projects from diverse and exceptional new talents, and innovative formats that push the boundaries of children's publishing. Books that spark curiosity and wonder, especially visually extraordinary objects that reward repeated reading.

Review David Higham's submission guidelines before submitting. Send your work by email to isobelsubmissions@davidhigham.co.uk. If you do not receive a response within twelve weeks, the agent will not be pursuing your work.

Children's authors, children's illustrators

Picture books, fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, illustration

Picture books: full text. Fiction or non-fiction: synopsis and first 3 chapters. Graphic novels: synopsis and full script. Illustrators: PDF portfolio (10 and samples). Via submission form

Authors and illustrators

Whimsical, narrative-led children's illustration and author-illustrator work

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

Fiction, non-fiction

Wide taste, currently especially women's commercial fiction/romance, funny books, untold/queer histories, and diverse voices in narrative food/travel/nature writing

Email submissions@lutyensrubinstein.co.uk with a cover letter, short synopsis, and the first three chapters or approximately 5,000 words.

Authors and illustrators

Children's illustration and author-illustrator work

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

Fiction and non-fiction

Literary and commercial fiction, children's and YA, non-fiction including memoir/biography, cookery, gardening, humour, history, lifestyle, mind-body-spirit, politics, popular science, psychology, travel

Email - submissions@sheilland.co.uk

Illustrators, author-illustrators, children's illustration, picture books

Wants: Pdf portfolio, website link, art samples

Trade children's book illustrators and author-illustrators, with a focus on visual storytelling, portfolio development, and author-illustrated picture book stories.

Use the official Bright submissions form. Illustrators should upload a PDF portfolio with at least 10 samples and a website or social media link. Author-illustrators should follow the relevant picture book or Middle Grade instructions and include art samples.

Children's books

Actively seeking new clients, MG adventure/series potential, YA romance and fantasy, horror/monster stories, contemporary teen, queer/found-family, SFF across YA/new adult (not grimdark)

Email - childrens@darleyanderson.com

Adult and children's, picture books, illustrators

Adult and children's chapter books, picture books (text only), illustration

Chapter books: synopsis and first chapter (if under 3 chapters, send whole manuscript). Picture books: text only. Illustrators: samples

Children's writers and illustrators (agent)

Strong, sharp storytelling with humour and adventure, not currently accepting picture book texts

Email

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

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 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