133 agents · 93 currently open to submissions
UK crime and thriller is crowded, steady, and brutally dependent on the opening. Domestic noir, police procedural, psychological suspense, cosy crime, spy fiction, and the literary thriller all live here. Agents know the market is strong, which means the bar for tension is high from page one.
This UK page shows agents who explicitly represent crime and thriller. The broad search toggle catches more who'd consider it under commercial fiction, mystery, suspense, or upmarket fiction.
Fiction, non-fiction, crime, historical fiction, thriller
A good story, whether fiction or non-fiction, peopled by credible characters and told in a distinctive voice. Represents crime writers, historical novelists, thriller writers and non-fiction. Also looks after several major literary estates including Georgette Heyer.
Email - peter@theampersandagency.co.uk
Crime fiction, thriller, mystery, book club fiction
Adult commercial fiction paired with punchy concepts and irresistible voice. Particularly drawn to psychological thrillers where nothing is as it seems, groundbreaking mysteries that blur genres, and literary crime writing that crosses boundaries. Also actively looking for book club novels with exceptional writing that create emotional resonance, as well as imaginative cross-genre works that blend mystery with horror, romance, or other unexpected combinations.
Send your submission to EdSubmissions@theblairpartnership.com. Include your manuscript or sample pages along with a cover letter outlining your concept and voice.
Genre fiction, ya, translation rights
Genre fiction (SFF/speculative/crime/horror) and YA, atmospheric settings, big hooks, snappy dialogue, gothic romantasy, teen slasher/YA horror, dark academia
Email - sandra@marjacq.com
Fiction, non-fiction
Fiction: crime/thrillers across commercial-literary, atmospheric/setting-as-character, accessible speculative, ghost stories, folk horror, originality and distinctive voice, humour threaded. Non-fiction: narrative history/prehistory, memoir, nature/landscape, folklore
Email submissions@hardmanswainson.com. For fiction, attach a one-page synopsis and the full manuscript. For non-fiction, attach a proposal and a sample chapter (or the full work if completed). Name your chosen agent in the cover email. Submit to one agent only, do not email individual agent addresses.
Commercial fiction, literary fiction, romance, crime, thriller, historical fiction, narrative non-fiction, true crime, cookery and food writing
Wants: Commercial to accessible literary fiction; plot-driven stories exploring big emotions; romance; family/friendship sagas; twisty crime/thrillers; grounded dystopian; narrative-led non-fiction (true crime/untold histories etc.)
Plot-driven fiction from commercial to the accessible end of the literary spectrum, including romance and rom-coms (particularly with queer love or interesting backdrops), sweeping family and friendship sagas, unputdownable crime and thriller standalones, upmarket psychological crime, contemporary and historical fiction (especially based on real events, with gothic elements, or focusing on underrepresented lives), narrative non-fiction that reads like fiction, literary true crime, untold histories, accessible books on complex topics, and cookery and food writing with uncomplicated recipes. Keen to hear from authors whose voices are underrepresented in publishing. Not currently taking YA, children's, poetry, fantasy, romantasy, science fiction, diet, or business projects.
Email sian@blakefriedmann.co.uk
Fiction and non-fiction
Crime fiction, unputdownable literary and commercial fiction, non-fiction that makes you think/question the world
Email submissions@lutyensrubinstein.co.uk with a covering letter, a short synopsis, and the first three chapters or up to 5,000 words. If you have a particular agent in mind, note this for Susannah Godman. No scripts, no postal submissions.
Fiction and non-fiction
Commercial and upmarket fiction (book club, crime and thriller, historical, contemporary), commercial women's/romantic fiction, some lifestyle/personal development non-fiction
Email hattiesubmissions@theblairpartnership.com
Literary fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, historical fiction, romantic comedy, gothic, horror, crime, psychological thriller, speculative fiction, ya, middle grade, memoir, narrative non-fiction, true crime
Literary and upmarket commercial fiction of all kinds, especially meditative or moving novels about modern life with warmth and heart alongside sharpness. Historical and period fiction that sheds light on untold stories, ambitious cross-centuries narratives, and historical mysteries. High-concept love stories and romantic comedies with depth. Gothic, horror, murder mysteries, ghost stories, psychological thrillers, speculative and magical realist fiction, and novels with a true-crime feel. A small list of YA and middle grade that feels current and contemporary with a real conversation at its core — not currently seeking fantasy or anything younger than middle grade. On the non-fiction side: memoirs of extraordinary people, narrative non-fiction on subjects the author is passionate about, books on mental health, untold stories across popular science, history and popular culture, and a brilliant true crime book. Particularly keen on LGBTQI+ stories and diverse voices from across the globe. Not currently looking for cookery, wellness, or lifestyle.
Email submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk with your covering letter in the body of the email. Include the agent's name in the subject line. Fiction: attach the first three chapters or around fifty pages plus a one-to-two page synopsis that reveals the ending, as Word documents. Non-fiction: attach three sample chapters or around fifty pages plus a chapter summary or synopsis, and explain why you are best placed to write the book and who the intended readership is. AI-generated or AI-edited content is not accepted. No postal submissions.
Fiction and non-fiction, estates
Fiction: originality/style, literary to commercial, imaginative setting, strong voice, compelling premise, active SFF list, high concept, intelligent crime/thrillers, genre-transcending. Not taking new YA/children's, no plays/film scripts. Non-fiction: politics, narrative history, sport, natural history, quirky memoir, popular culture, inventive angles
Email - ed@johnsonandalcock.co.uk
Fiction, non-fiction, memoir, popular science, historical fiction, crime, thrillers
See source page for more info
Send a submission package to london@susannalea.com. See the submissions page for more details on how to submit to the London office.
Fiction and narrative non-fiction
Fiction: literary and genre including historical/speculative/crime/romance, distinctive voice/worldbuilding, moral dilemmas, families/relationships, darkness and humour. Non-fiction: history/memoir/current affairs/cultural criticism/popular science/travel/food, experts with surprising takes
Email anna@johnsonandalcock.co.uk with a short covering letter including a blurb and author info. For fiction, include a synopsis of no more than two pages and the opening 50 pages. For non-fiction, include a proposal with introduction, chapter breakdown, and sample material totalling around 50 pages. Attachments in Word .doc or .docx format, at least 1.5 line spaced, page-numbered, A4. Submit to one agent only, do not blind-copy.
Literary fiction and narrative non-fiction
Literary fiction with distinctive/off-kilter voice, high-concept literary, realist novels exploring moral/philosophical/political questions, non-fiction bold voices, investigative/essayistic work, cultural histories, literary true crime
Email - seren@lexingtonliterary.co.uk
Fiction and non-fiction
Eclectic: bestselling fiction/non-fiction including history/medicine/memoir/illustrated, edgy detective novels, fast-paced thrillers, big stories, smart one-sentence hooks, not SFF/fantasy
Email - sohoagencysubmissions@gmail.com
Fiction (primarily)
Commercial and book club fiction with a strong hook, genre-crossing, dystopia, elevated sci-fi, big love stories, domestic suspense, horror (incl social commentary)
Email submissions@janklow.co.uk with your full name, the title of your work, and Hayley Steed's name in the subject line. Include a covering letter in the body of the email. Attach a synopsis and either the first three chapters or the first fifty pages (Word or PDF). All documents should be double-spaced, size 12, in a reasonable font. Do not include external links, attach all materials directly.
Literary fiction, crime, thriller, narrative non-fiction, history, politics, culture, psychology, science, nature
Fiction: literary fiction (broadly including book-club) and crime and thriller, excited by risks with voice/form/storytelling, compulsive, ideaful, humane. Non-fiction: original thinkers/writers in history, politics, culture, psychology, science, nature/environment (not straightforward memoir or academic monographs)
Email - submissions@rebeccacarterliterary.com
Fiction
Commercial/genre fiction: romance/romcom, adult and YA fantasy (romance/spice, trials), crime/thrillers/mysteries, hooky pitches and page-turning drama
Email - maddalenacavaciuti@davidhigham.co.uk
Literary fiction, crime fiction, thriller, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, commercial fiction, book club fiction, upmarket fiction, history, sport, popular science
Entertaining and diverse fiction with well-told stories, big ideas, emotional hooks and gripping plots. In commercial fiction, particularly interested in crime, thriller, book group and upmarket titles, as well as historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy. In non-fiction, looks for expertise, fresh ideas and genuine passion for the subject, working across history, sport and popular science.
Direct queries about submissions to Isobel@rcwlitagency.com.
Commercial fiction, crime, thriller, suspense, bookclub fiction, historical fiction, romance, non-fiction
Commercial fiction across crime, thriller, suspense, bookclub, historical, and romance, as well as select non-fiction. Wants books that entertain from first page to last — the kind you can't wait to talk to someone about, like a new film or a must-watch series.
Submit via the online submissions form at https://www.greenstoneliterary.com or submissions. Attach a query letter (including short author bio, elevator pitch, blurb, comparative titles, and any relevant information), a detailed synopsis with spoilers, and the opening three chapters or 50 pages of your manuscript, whichever is longer. Do not submit by email.
Historical fiction, crime fiction, psychological thrillers, women's fiction, adult fiction
Historical fiction, crime fiction, psychological thrillers and women's fiction, open to great adult fiction with a strong hook. Excludes non-fiction, children's and YA. Encourages under-represented writers from the North of England
Email submissions@liverpool-literary.agency with a cover email including details about you, the book genre, blurb, inspirations, comparable authors and titles, and why your book will stand out. Attach a synopsis and first three chapters or first 5,000 words in a Word document with numbered pages.
Fiction
Mystery, suspense, thrillers, crime, book club fiction, grounded speculative/high-concept (no high fantasy), stories with escapism, strong series characters, ensemble casts, nature-as-character settings
Online form - https://darleyanderson.com or submissions/
Mystery, romantic suspense, psychological suspense, speculative, crime, thriller, horror, book club
Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first 3 chapters or 50 pages
Jade represents adult commercial fiction, especially thriller, suspense, horror, book club fiction, romantic suspense and speculative fiction with a darker edge.
Submit via the Darley Anderson online submissions portal. Include a cover letter, one-page synopsis, and the first three chapters or first 50 pages or 10,000 words.
Book club, crime or thriller, upmarket, literary fiction, narrative non-fiction
Characters that linger, strong setting, book club, high-concept crime/thriller, upmarket/literary, narrative non-fiction with investigative/social commentary. Not children/YA, not SFF
Email - booksubmissions@42mp.com
Fiction and non-fiction
Commercial fiction (upmarket women's, book club, romantic suspense, crime series, thrillers), non-fiction (business, feminism, health, cookery, environment, memoir, narrative non-fiction)
Email - sohoagencysubmissions@gmail.com
Literary fiction, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, crime fiction, thrillers, cookery, food writing, comedy, travel writing
All types of writing, with particular interests in cooking and food journalism, comedy, and travel writing. Also loves literary fiction, contemporary and historical novels, crime fiction, and thrillers. Also works closely with radio and television production companies, and the speakers and presenters side of the agency.
Claudia is not currently accepting submissions. When open, submissions go to submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk with the agent's name in the subject line. Include a covering letter in the body of the email. Fiction: attach the first three chapters (or around fifty pages) and a one-to-two page synopsis that reveals the ending, as Word documents. Non-fiction: attach three sample chapters and a chapter summary or synopsis. Postal submissions are not accepted.
Crime, thrillers, reading group fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, historical fiction, literary fiction, narrative memoir, nature writing, cookery, voice-led non-fiction
Crime and thrillers, reading group fiction, high-concept hooks, upmarket commercial fiction, narrative memoir, nature writing, cookery and other voice-led non-fiction
Email a synopsis and either the first three chapters of a novel or a non-fiction proposal to afeiner@unitedagents.co.uk. Let the agent know if another agent has requested your full manuscript or offered representation.
LBA Books
Crime, historical fiction, historical romance, women's fiction
Crime, historical fiction (especially historical romance), women's fiction
Alison is not currently receiving submissions. When open, email the agent directly. Include the manuscript title and genre in the subject line. For fiction, send a covering letter in the body of the email, a brief synopsis, and the first three chapters or first 5,000 words as a Word document.
Fiction and non-fiction
Fiction: book club, psychological suspense, crime, speculative, historical, commercial and upmarket women's with unique hook/voice/characters. Non-fiction: history (with platform) and memoir
Email - kate@khla.co.uk
Crime, thriller, horror, romance, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction, cookbooks, food writing, lifestyle, wellbeing, investigative journalism, nature writing
Hannah represents quality commercial and upmarket fiction and non-fiction. In fiction, she is drawn to crime, thriller and horror novels with a confident voice and fresh approach, love stories ranging from smart romcoms to epic weepy narratives, and general contemporary fiction about complicated people and families—often with a mystery at its heart. She also takes on a small amount of historical fiction set in the 19th and 20th centuries. In non-fiction, she seeks lifestyle and wellbeing titles, narrative non-fiction such as memoir, nature writing and investigative journalism, cookbooks and food writing, and thought-provoking non-fiction across the arts and academia. She is not the right agent for sci-fi, fantasy, action, spy or military thrillers, children's and YA novels, scripts or poetry.
Hannah is currently closed to submissions.
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, book club fiction, romance, romantasy, fantasy, gothic fiction, horror, historical fiction, crime, thriller, speculative fiction
Wants: Covering letter, one-page outline, first three chapters, first fifty pages
Actively 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
Email nelle@rmliterary.co.uk with a one-page outline, the first 3 chapters or 50 pages, and a covering letter.
Ki Agency
Genre fiction (and select ya)
Fantasy, sci-fi, romance, horror, thriller, action and adventure, YA fantasy
Submit via QueryManager when open: send the first ten pages, your query letter, and synopsis (if you have one) to https://querytracker.net or query or HelenLane. Personalisation in the query letter is not required.
Watson Little
Fiction and non-fiction
Crime/thrillers/mysteries, addictive hooky commercial fiction, grounded speculative, twisty horror, high-concept love story, crime-family epic, big-idea narrative non-fiction (sport/pop science/humour/true crime/memoir)
Email - submissions@watsonlittle.com
Fiction and non-fiction
Commercial/high-concept fiction with hook (romance/crime/thriller/general), accessible literary, speculative/SFF/horror, fun fantastical MG, big-emotion YA. Less keen on political or gangland thrillers
Email submissions@thenorthlitagency.com when open to submissions
Narrative nonfiction, true crime, psychology, pop culture, technology, pop science, parenting, crime fiction, mystery
Victoria is most interested in expert-driven narrative nonfiction in the areas of true crime, psychology, pop culture, technology, and pop science. She is also looking for investigative deep dives, illuminating books about parenting (either prescriptive or narrative), and anything geared toward a millennial audience. While nonfiction makes up the bulk of her list, she is also willing to consider crime fiction or mysteries that involve a murder.
Email your chosen agent using the address indicated on their page, or via QueryManager if listed. Include the title in the subject line. Paste the first ten pages of your manuscript in the body of the email — no attachments. For picture books, include the complete text, for illustrated work, include a link to your portfolio or two to three PDFs or JPEGs. Do not query multiple Bent Agency agents simultaneously.
Literary fiction, horror, mysteries, thrillers, suspense, fantasy, romantasy, speculative fiction
James represents high concept literary and genre fiction for adults and young adults, co-repping with his colleague Jenny Bent. Together they are specifically interested in compact horror and mysteries with unique hooks and intricate plotting, atmospheric thrillers and suspense novels with a strong sense of place, and unique fantasy/romantasy. They are particularly interested in authors who have successfully been working in the indie space and are now looking to transition into traditional or hybrid publishing. On his own, James is looking for voice-driven literary fiction (including books with genre elements but literary execution) and grounded speculative fiction with high stakes that touches on contemporary issues. Across all genres, he prizes direct, economical prose, complex characters, building tension, narrative gravity, and a distinct sense of humor.
Email your query to James Mustelier at the address listed on his agent page, or use his QueryManager link if indicated there. Include the title of your project in the subject line. Paste the first ten pages of your manuscript in the body of the email — no attachments. For picture books, include the complete text, for illustrated work, include a link to your website or two to three PDFs or JPEGs. Do not query multiple Bent Agency agents simultaneously, if James passes, you may then query another agent at the agency.
Fantasy, sf, horror, crime, thriller, historical fiction, urban fantasy, space opera
Wants: Plot-driven fantasy and sf (not tolkien-derivative); monsters/magic; also hybrids incl horror/thriller/crime/historical
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.
Email berlyne@zenoagency.com following the agency's submission guidelines. Currently closed to submissions.
Fiction and non-fiction
Fiction: literary, upmarket commercial, book club, historical, crime, thrillers (no sci-fi/fantasy/children's). Non-fiction: serious/pop science, psychology, feminism, big ideas/current affairs, health/body/mind, personal development, selective lifestyle, narrative/memoir
Email submissions@hardmanswainson.com. Name your chosen agent in the cover email. For fiction, attach a one-page synopsis and the full manuscript. For non-fiction, attach a proposal and a sample chapter, or the whole work if complete. Submit to one agent only.
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