UK History Literary Agents

Commercial fiction, upmarket fiction, book club fiction, crime, thrillers, historical fiction, psychological suspense, women's fiction, speculative fiction, non-fiction, lifestyle, pop culture, humour

Commercial and upmarket fiction: book club/accessibly literary, crime/thrillers, upmarket historical, psychological suspense, women's fiction, speculative/high-concept, lightly magical edge. Non-fiction: innovative lifestyle, pop culture, unique personal stories, humour

Email jemimasubmissions@davidhigham.co.uk with your name and title in the subject line, and attach a cover letter, synopsis, and the first three chapters.

Fiction, children's, non-fiction

Literary and genre fiction (incl historical, horror, speculative), multi-generational, high-concept book club, domestic dramas, crime/thrillers with a twist, non-fiction including history/true crime/current affairs/travel/food/psychology/feminism/memoir, children's high-concept with humour/heart

Email veroniquemanuscripts@davidhigham.co.uk with a covering letter, a 1-2 page synopsis, and the first 3 chapters.

Non-fiction

Fresh expert perspectives on history, science, nature, politics, big ideas, smart thinking, economics, health and the arts, writers who can open readers' minds and reach a mainstream audience

Online form - https://amheath.com or submissions

Fiction and select non-fiction

Commercial and book-club fiction, selective romance, thrillers/mystery, different-feeling historical fiction, selective YA, selective non-fiction (popular history/untaught areas, cultural deep-dives, narrative non-fiction). Not children's, not sci-fi, not grisly horror

Submit via the online form on Hannah Schofield's agent page at https://lbabooks.com or agents or hannah-schofield

Fiction and non-fiction

Non-fiction: memoir/autobiography, subject-led expert non-fiction (economics, history, food, fashion, relationships), some thrillers/horror. Fiction: exceptional literary voices, ambitious storytelling, Irish writing, genre with depth

Submit via QueryManager. For non-fiction, prepare a proposal of up to 20 pages including an overview or hook (query letter), chapter outline (synopsis), one to two sample chapters as an attachment, and an author bio with platform. For fiction, prepare a cover letter with a short pitch and author bio, a one-page synopsis, and the first 1,200 words or first two chapters (whichever is shortest) as an attachment. Visit https://www.internationalcreative.agency or submissions to access the QueryManager link.

Biography, history, military history, popular science, narrative history, humour, natural history, popular culture, memoir

Popular science with clear everyday relevance, narrative history, military history, humour, biography, popular culture, and natural history. Also memoirs by people whose lives have been well lived and who bring authentic experience to their writing.

Submit through the Aevitas Creative Management contact and submissions form available on their website. The form is shared across all agents, so writers should direct their query to Trevor Dolby specifically.

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, commercial fiction, literary non-fiction, commercial non-fiction, ya, children's books, biography, memoir, history, popular culture, humour

Quality women's fiction including romantasy and love stories, smart contemporary thrillers with a difference, a great northern novel set in the north east or midlands, biography, memoir, history, popular culture, humour

Email synopsis and three sample chapters as a Word attachment, plus author biography, to info@sarah-such.com. No unsolicited manuscripts or telephone enquiries.

Fiction

Character-driven speculative fiction, female-led literary and crossover, book club fiction, contemporary rom-coms, sweeping love stories (historical/contemporary), crime and psychological thrillers, female-led fantasy, romantasy, retellings. Not: children/YA, police procedurals, cosy crime, epic sci-fi, poetry, plays, screenplays, any non-fiction

Elena is currently open for submissions. Send your cover letter, one-page synopsis, and first three chapters as attachments, not in the body of the email. Submit to submission@dhhliteraryagency.com. Only submit to one agent at DHH Literary Agency

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 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.

Fiction (adult)

Commercial and literary, crime/thriller, historical

Email - enquiries@aforauthors.co.uk

Fiction and non-fiction

Non-fiction across many areas (narrative, prescriptive, self-help, illustrated, cookery/history/philosophy/economics/memoir/tech/science/business/nature). Fiction: science fiction, horror, fantasy (incl upmarket body horror, book-club friendly SFF, time travel, inventive fantasy epic, underrepresented voices)

Email - sohoagencysubmissions@gmail.com

Crime fiction, thriller, mystery, psychological thriller, supernatural suspense, ghost stories, romantic suspense, historical fiction, women's fiction, middle grade, ya, horror, non-fiction, self-help, narrative non-fiction, memoir

Crime fiction encompassing thriller, mystery, and psychological thriller; supernatural suspense; ghost stories; romantic suspense; historical fiction; women's fiction; children's fiction at middle grade and YA level; horror; and non-fiction including topical, accessible works such as self-help, narrative non-fiction, and memoir. Does not represent science fiction, fantasy, short stories, poetry collections, erotica, or picture books.

Submit by email only. Fiction submissions should include a cover letter in the body of the email, a short bio, a synopsis, and three sample chapters as separate attachments. Non-fiction submissions should include a cover letter in the body of the email, a short bio, a proposal with chapter breakdown, and three sample chapters as separate attachments. Use the submissions page at https://shesto-literary.com or submissions or to send your materials.

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.

Fiction, non-fiction

Mainly non-fiction, distinctive voice, fresh perspective, broad interests including history, popular science, politics, memoir, occasional off-the-wall novel

Email info@pewliterary.com

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 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, 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.

Literary fiction, speculative fiction, gothic fiction, thriller, psychological horror, noir, non-fiction, history, popular science, political writing, investigative journalism, cultural criticism, memoir, biography, nature, food

Provocative, morally ambiguous fiction charged with darkness and desire — exploring themes of shame, obsession, and power — often blending literary fiction with thriller, noir, or psychological horror. Speculative and gothic novels haunted by grief, repressed desire, climate, technological dread, colonialism, or history. Voice-driven, humorous fiction with emotional heft, including messy family dramas, campy queer tragedies, and rural romances with a self-aware take on identity and community. In non-fiction, academics and journalists writing on history, popular science, politics, investigative journalism, cultural criticism, memoir, biography, nature, and food — particularly writers who can marry vivid narrative with deep research. Also political and cultural commentary, mind-bending science writing, narrative biography, landscape and history memoir, insider accounts, and obsessive literary true crime.

Email submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk with your covering letter in the body of the email and submission materials as Word Document attachments. Include Imogen Morrell's name in the subject line. Fiction: first three chapters or around fifty pages, plus a one-to-two page synopsis that reveals the ending. Non-fiction: three sample chapters or around fifty pages, plus a proposed chapter summary or synopsis — a completed manuscript is not required. No postal submissions accepted. AI-generated or AI-edited submissions will not be considered.

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.

Fiction and non-fiction

Contemporary, historical and literary fiction, crime and thrillers, memoir, biography, narrative history

Email isobel@blakefriedmann.co.uk with a cover letter in the body of the email. Attach a synopsis of 250-300 words and the first three chapters or first 10,000 words as Word documents (.doc or .docx). Include the book title and your name in the subject line. For non-fiction, attach a synopsis of up to 500 words, a chapter plan, and two sample chapters.

Speculative fiction, historical fiction, upmarket crime and thriller, memoir, narrative-led non-fiction, nature, food, sport, psychology, business, craft and design, social sciences, investigative journalism

Wants: Quality and commercial fiction and non-fiction (no children's). fiction: first 3 chapters/50pp and synopsis. non-fiction: pitch and sample chapter

In fiction, books combining compelling storytelling, engaging characters and strong plotting, especially novels of ambition and scope with big-hearted characters. Particularly interested in speculative fiction with a real-world edge or near-future settings. In non-fiction, broad tastes including memoir, narrative non-fiction with deep focus that expands outward to explain a culture or subculture, immersive journalism, and books where subject-matter expertise meets great writing. Does not represent children's books.

Fiction: first 3 chapters or 50 pages and synopsis. Non-fiction: pitch and sample chapter

Fiction and non-fiction

Refreshing narratives, intelligent fresh prose (often dark wit). Fiction: edgy/darkly humorous, gothic, offbeat family sagas, historical or contemporary. Non-fiction: new ideas/experts, memoir/narrative non-fiction, art history/dance, foodie innovators, social change

Email a covering letter, short synopsis, and first three chapters (or up to 5,000 words) to submissions@lutyensrubinstein.co.uk. If you have a particular agent in mind, let Susannah Godman know in your message.

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.

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

Historical fiction, crime, thrillers, book club fiction, science fiction, fantasy, children's

Historical fiction, crime/thrillers, book club, science fiction and fantasy (actively building list)

Email julieacrisp@gmail.com. The contact page also hosts a form and notes responses within one week.

Fiction and non-fiction

Literary/book club/romantic fiction, character-led "gentler" crime in communities, non-fiction including relationships, pop culture, social history, food, some cookery/illustrated. Not currently considering memoir

Email juliet@blakefriedmann.co.uk with your cover letter as the body of the email. Attach a full synopsis of 250-300 words and the first three chapters or first 10,000 words as Word documents (.doc or .docx). Name each attachment with the book title and your name. Include your title and name in the subject line. Do not send PDFs or external links.

Fiction, non-fiction

Horror (especially folk/social/feminist/queer, not heavy body horror), crossover YA/NA fantasy with romance, paranormal romance/urban fantasy, narrative pop science (neuroscience) and smart-thinking, lesser-known female historical figures

Submit via QueryManager at https://www.perezliterary.com or submit or submit-to-kristina/

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.

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.

Fiction and non-fiction

Commercial women's fiction with strong hook/twisty plots/emotion/drama, eclectic list. Agency also considers crime/mystery/suspense/thrillers, horror, historical, commercial and literary, non-fiction including politics/current affairs, environment, lifestyle, popular science, self-help/how-to, true crime

Email submissions@cmm.agency with a one-paragraph author biography, a one-paragraph blurb or hook including genre and audience, a short synopsis covering plot, setting, theme and characters, and the first three chapters as an attachment. Manuscript must be double or 1.5 line-spaced, with wide margins, in a font no smaller than 12-point (preferably Times New Roman), fully page-numbered, with your name, address, contact number and email on the first page.

Literary fiction, historical fiction, psychological suspense, crime, thrillers, non-fiction

Multi-generational domestic novels that follow characters over a significant time frame, particularly those exploring the intricacies of female familial relationships. Pre-twentieth century historical fiction. Big, pacy standalone crime and thriller novels, preferably with surprising twists. Non-fiction with an element of mystery and discovery, especially books that challenge readers to re-examine previously held conceptions of history.

Email submissions@hardmanswainson.com naming Lucy Malone in your cover email. For fiction, attach a one-page synopsis and the full manuscript. For non-fiction, include a covering email outlining the book, why it has a place on the bookshelf, and why you are qualified to write it, along with a proposal and a sample chapter or the whole work if completed. Submit to one agent only, do not email individual agent addresses.

Serious non-fiction

Serious/stimulating nonfiction across sciences, maths, natural history, philosophy, health/medicine, technology, history and more

Email a proposal and sample chapter to info@curiousmindsagency.com. See the FAQ page for guidance on putting together a proposal.

Fiction and non-fiction

Thrillers, commercial fiction, historical and literary fiction, narrative non-fiction (history, natural history, politics, military)

Email - philip@marjacq.com

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