152 agents · 108 currently open to submissions
UK history publishing has a long trade tradition, from Tudor power to empire, class, war, landscape, and social history. Agents want authority, access, and a narrative reason for the reader to keep turning pages. The Mantel effect matters, even when the book is non-fiction: the past has to feel alive.
This UK page shows agents who explicitly represent history. The broad search toggle catches more who'd consider it under biography, narrative non-fiction, politics, culture, memoir, or popular science.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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, 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, 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.
Fiction and non-fiction
Accessible literary and book club fiction with strong voice, historical fiction (e.g., like Sarah Waters), subversive/funny non-fiction, art or food (fiction or non-fiction)
Email - sabhbh.curran@curtisbrown.co.uk
Fiction and non-fiction
Commercial and book club fiction across genres, high-concept thrillers/suspense, atmospheric reads, women's fiction, uplifting speculative edge, female-led historical, romantic fiction, underrepresented voices
Submit by email via the PFD submissions page at https://petersfraserdunlop.com or submissions or books/. Include a cover letter, synopsis, and the first three chapters or approximately 50 pages for fiction, or a detailed proposal for non-fiction.
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.
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
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 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, 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.
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
Literary fiction, thriller, non-fiction, cultural commentary, history, science, politics, psychoanalysis, poetry
Wants: Cover letter, biographical note, first three chapters (fiction) or proposal (non-fiction)
Extraordinary and precisely crafted literary fiction in the vein of Anita Brookner, Jenny Offill, and Gwendoline Riley—work that transforms everyday experience into elegant prose. She is also drawn to literary fiction that plays with genre, including political and erotic thrillers with astute characterization and propulsive pacing, as well as narratives exploring obsession, infatuation, longing, and belonging. In contemporary prose, she looks for playful, innovative writing with sharp observation and wit—novels that assess humanity with shrewdness, clarity, and humour. For non-fiction: stylish writing and fresh perspectives on history, science, politics, and cultural commentary from experts, academics, journalists, and critics writing for trade audiences, as well as experimental, genre-defying work and thought-provoking writing on psychoanalysis and therapy.
Send a brief cover letter along with a biographical note and either the first three chapters of your work (if fiction) or a proposal (if non-fiction) to kat@lexingtonliterary.co.uk.
Fiction and non-fiction
Literary fiction, social history, travel and cookery
Email an enquiry, synopsis, and first three chapters to submissions@artellusltd.co.uk. Postal submissions are not accepted.
Fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, popular science, historical fiction, crime, thrillers
Annabel White is a rights agent building a list of East Asian authors in translation, with a strong focus on Japanese literature. She works with agencies and publishers in Japan to place titles with English-language publishers in the UK, US, and internationally. Her interests span fiction and non-fiction, and her current authors include novelists, memoirists, and food writers.
Send a submission package to london@susannalea.com. See the submissions page for more details on how to submit to the London office.
Literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, current affairs, politics, pop culture, popular science, history, journalism, memoir, biography
David Kuhn is co-CEO of Aevitas Creative Management. His official Aevitas profile says he represents literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, current affairs, politics, pop culture, popular science, history, journalism, memoir, and biography.
Submit through the official Aevitas contact or submissions page if David Kuhn is available in the agent dropdown. Aevitas asks writers to include a query letter and, for nonfiction, a proposal if available, for fiction, include sample pages as directed by the form. Do not send unsolicited material outside the official route.
Fiction (and adult graphic novels)
Strong hook/high concept and unforgettable characters, underrepresented voices. Genres include contemporary/book club fiction, women's fiction, romance/romcom, accessible fantasy, historical fiction with a fresh perspective, and adult graphic novels
Online form - https://darleyanderson.com or submissions/
Fiction and non-fiction
High-concept, character/plot-driven thrillers, crime series, book club love stories, contemporary romcoms (diverse/own voices), sweeping book-club historical, true crime (no child-related), narrative non-fiction (science/environment/psychology/nature/wellbeing/memoir), self-development for women
Email - amandasubmissions@lbabooks.com
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
Literary fiction, innovative fiction, humor, nonfiction, history, art, social commentary, political commentary, nature writing
Wants: Cover letter, writing sample, synopsis, proposal
Cora MacGregor is Associate Agent and Assistant to Patrick Walsh at PEW Literary. She is drawn to generically and formally innovative literary fiction that speaks to the present moment, or anything that makes her laugh. Her nonfiction interests are diverse and include history, art, social and political commentary, and nature writing.
Submit to PEW Literary by email at submissions@pewliterary.com or by post. Email submissions should be in Word or PDF format, 1.5 or double-spaced, with a cover letter. Fiction submissions should follow PEW's fiction guidelines, and nonfiction submissions should follow PEW's nonfiction guidelines. Do not send a stamped addressed envelope for postal submissions, include an email address for response.
Fiction, non-fiction, poetry
Story-led and character-driven novels, rich worldbuilding (realist/speculative, contemporary/historical). Non-fiction: history, politics, philosophy, psychology, true crime, narrative sports writing, literary biography, academics, journalists, critics
Email submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk with the subject line marked FAO Emma Paterson. For fiction, attach the first three chapters or fifty pages plus a short synopsis as Word-compatible files. For narrative non-fiction, send a short overview and up to 10,000 words of sample writing, for subject-led non-fiction, send a proposal of approximately 5,000 words outlining the book and your credentials, plus at least 5,000 words of sample writing. Include a cover letter with a brief book description, any writing credits or relevant qualifications, and a short biographical note. Note whether you are submitting simultaneously to other agencies.
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.
Literary fiction, general fiction, epic fantasy, history, memoir, reportage, narrative nonfiction, art, music, nature writing
Beautiful, ambitious, and unusual literary fiction, epic fantasy, and upmarket general fiction that is emotionally engaging and compulsively readable. In nonfiction, interested in history, memoir, reportage, and big ideas, as well as writing on art, music, literature, and nature.
Submit via the button on John Ash's agent profile page at https://www.caa.com or entertainmenttalent or books or agent or john-ash/. For fiction, include a cover letter, synopsis, and the first three chapters or opening 50 pages. For nonfiction, include a cover letter and proposal.
Fiction and non-fiction
High-quality adult non-fiction and fiction, YA for young teens. Non-fiction: natural history, memoir, biography, history, cookery, current affairs, humour, lifestyle
Send an initial letter to Barn Cottage, Veryan, Truro, Cornwall TR2 5QA with a short description of your book or idea. The agency prefers postal submissions due to high email volume.
Literary fiction, book club fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, cookery, feminist fiction, feminist nonfiction
Wants: Literary/book club/upmarket commercial fiction; historical and women's fiction; open to speculative and romance crossovers; non-fiction that surprises/challenges; cookery/food writing; feminist narratives; underrepresented voices. not seeking children's/YA, crime, thriller or horror.
Laurie Robertson is an agent at Peters Fraser and Dunlop building a list of adult fiction and non-fiction. She is actively looking for literary, book club and upmarket commercial fiction with strong original voices, uplifting narratives, clever storytelling, strong emotional hooks and complex characters. On non-fiction she wants stories that surprise and challenge, narrative non-fiction that reads like fiction, and cookery from food writers who can transport the reader. She is always keen on feminist narratives across fiction and non-fiction and on voices from underrepresented backgrounds. She is not currently looking for children's or young adult, crime, thriller or horror.
Email one agent or assistant only, include a cover letter, full synopsis, and first 3 chapters or approximately 50 pages for fiction, or a detailed proposal for non-fiction. Find contact details at https://petersfraserdunlop.com or our-team/
Commercial fiction, saga, romance, historical fiction, book club fiction, up-lit, literary fiction, lgbtq fiction, lgbtq nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, popular science, psychology, history, sport
Wants: Covering letter, first three chapters, synopsis, detailed proposal
Laura MacDougall is a literary agent at United Agents with a broad and eclectic list across adult fiction and non-fiction. She represents commercial fiction including saga, romance, historical, book club and up-lit, and literary fiction ranging from the quirky to the daring and experimental, with a particular love of historical fiction and novels about relationships and family life. As a queer woman she represents many LGBTQ writers and is keen to hear from LGBTQ authors across fiction and non-fiction. In non-fiction she wants big ideas books and narrative non-fiction across popular science, psychology and culture, sport, history, and race, class, gender, sexuality and identity. She does not represent young adult or children's books, science fiction, fantasy or horror, Mind Body Spirit non-fiction, or cookery and food writing.
Submit through United Agents naming Laura MacDougall. For fiction send the first three chapters and a synopsis. For non-fiction send a detailed proposal.
Non-fiction
Cookery, health, wellness, psychology, history, memoir, biography, current affairs, topical non-fiction
Online form - https://www.aevitascreative.com or contact
Fiction and non-fiction
Romance, upmarket crime/thrillers, uncanny/eerie/weird literary, gothic/supernatural elements, voiced historical, memoir and narrative non-fiction, health/wellbeing proposals from experts
Email submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk with the full manuscript, synopsis, and a cover letter naming Judith Murray as the preferred agent in the subject line
Historical thrillers, literary fiction, upmarket genre fiction, book club fiction, science writing, food writing, history, nature writing, music journalism, memoir, cultural criticism
Wants: Contemporary crime and thrillers; historical fiction (esp historical crime); books with a fresh angle/clear identity; non-fiction on any subject with a strong angle and page-turning storytelling
Contemporary crime and thrillers, historical fiction and historical crime, upmarket and literary fiction with a fresh or distinctive angle, voices from marginalised or underrepresented communities, and non-fiction on any subject where the author has found the right angle and can make the material a page-turning story
Email submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk with covering letter in the body of the email. Fiction: attach first three chapters or around fifty pages plus a one-to-two page synopsis that reveals the ending. Non-fiction: attach three sample chapters or around fifty pages plus a chapter breakdown or synopsis. Attach files as Word documents, not PDFs. Include preferred agent name in the subject line.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, historical fiction, literary thrillers, crime, gothic horror, speculative fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels
Literary and upmarket fiction/non-fiction, genre-bending/speculative-adjacent literary, literary historical, family novels, literary thrillers/crime, gothic horror edges, non-fiction art/music/aging/neurodiversity/psychotherapy/sport/science, graphic novels
Submit by email following DHA's submissions guidelines at https://davidhigham.co.uk or submissions/
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