UK Literary fiction Literary Agents

Fiction and non-fiction

Fiction: book club/literary, character- and voice-driven crime/thriller/suspense, dark/gothic/uncanny, love stories, family sagas, historical from a slant, Highsmithian thrillers. Non-fiction: accessible social/cultural history, biography/memoir, reportage, popular science, nature, arts, food/cookery, experts, journalists, lived experience

Email charlotte@johnsonandalcock.co.uk with a short covering letter (including a book blurb and brief author bio), a synopsis of no more than two pages, and the opening 50 pages of the manuscript (fiction), or a book proposal of approximately 50 pages (non-fiction). Submissions must be in Word Doc format, at least 1.5 line spaced, page-numbered, on A4. Submit to one agent only, do not blind-copy. Attachments must be under 5MB.

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.

Literary fiction, non-fiction

Science, psychology, cultural history, environmental issues, gripping adventure, speculative fiction, emotionally driven commercial fiction

Refer to United Agents submission guidelines at https://www.unitedagents.co.uk or submission-guidelines

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, thrillers, nonfiction, speculative fiction, horror

Gabrielle represents literary and upmarket fiction, particularly with queer themes or from unusual and underrepresented perspectives, as well as select upmarket thrillers and nonfiction. In fiction, she is drawn to bold hooks and flawed characters, atmospheric character-led stories about overlooked aspects of history and culture, literary speculative and high-concept fiction from queer, female, or transnational perspectives, and horror. In thrillers, she seeks atmospheric mysteries involving family secrets, small communities, or epic natural settings. In nonfiction, she is looking to work with experts, academics, journalists, or influencers specializing in dating and relationships, personal finance, career guidance, queer family formation, fashion, cultural history, economics, food, or music. She is not the right agent for crime procedurals, hard sci-fi, fantasy, YA, or children's books.

Gabrielle is closed to new submissions until 20 April 2026.

Literary fiction, reading group fiction, memoir, pop culture, narrative non-fiction, essays

Romcoms/relationship dynamics, memoir with strong emotional response, nature and pop culture writing, occasional illustrated books (graphic novels/cookery/photo/gift)

Email queries@lewinsohnliterary.com with your submission. Fiction: include a covering letter, synopsis, and 50 pages (or nearest natural break) in Word format. Non-fiction: include a covering letter, an introduction to the project, a basic chapter breakdown, and a sample chapter, ideally in Word format (PDF accepted where highly illustrated).

Literary fiction, voice-driven memoir, narrative non-fiction

Literary fiction, voice-driven memoir, topical narrative non-fiction asking challenging questions. Currently not accepting unsolicited submissions

Email - esheinkman@pfd.co.uk

Fiction (literary to commercial), non-fiction

Varied list, bio notes temporarily closed to submissions due to limited capacity

Email bluntoffice@curtisbrown.co.uk with a cover letter, one-page synopsis (approx. 500 words), and up to 10,000 words of your manuscript. For non-fiction, send 2–3 sample chapters or 10,000 words, a chapter breakdown, and an overview explaining your book's relevance.

Fiction

Upmarket and literary adult/new adult fiction (genre-agnostic within upmarket/literary, sweet spot literary-speculative). Interested in high-concept/hooky work, uncommon voices, strong aesthetic, gothic/grounded fantasy, "weird girl lit", dark academia, select romantasy etc

QueryManager - https://querymanager.com or juliegourinchas

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.

Literary fiction and narrative non-fiction

Literary fiction and narrative non-fiction with international potential and narrative drive, race/sexuality/identity, immigrant perspectives, strong essay writing/memoir. Not children's/YA/genre fiction

Submissions in any language with extensive synopsis and author bio in English

Literary fiction, crime, women's fiction, narrative non-fiction, children's, picture books, ya

Fiction: literary fiction, crime, women's fiction. Non-fiction: narrative. Children's: picture books to YA

Email submissions to submissions@jennybrownassociates.com for adult work (or directly to jenny@jennybrownassociates.com or lisa@jennybrownassociates.com), or to childrens@jennybrownassociates.com for children's submissions. Write a covering letter in the body of the email. Fiction: attach first three chapters (around 50 pages) and a synopsis in a single document. Non-fiction: attach a proposal and a couple of sample chapters. Picture books: send three complete stories. Illustrators: send samples and a link to your website. Attach text as .doc, .docx, or .pdf, illustrations as .jpeg, .gif, or .pdf. Number your pages.

Literary fiction

Wants: Synopsis, writing sample

Barrie James accepts work across a broad range of categories including General Fiction, Thrillers, Romance, Short Stories, Non-Fiction, Erotica, Supernatural, Fantasy, Children's, History, Science Fiction, Religion, Guides, Poetry, and Women's Fiction. The agency focuses on unpublished new writers seeking exposure for their work.

Online submissions are preferred. Submissions should be approximately 1,500 words in total, with the first 200 words used as a synopsis and the remainder as a sample of the work. A one-off registration fee of £20.00 is required.

Fiction

Upmarket genre (especially thrillers), reading group and accessible literary fiction, powerful page-turners, unique voices

Email submissions@nurnberg.co.uk with the agent's name in the subject line

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, crime, thrillers, narrative nonfiction, nature writing, travel, history, anthropology, art, memoir, environment

Voice-driven fiction that introduces readers to different perspectives and singular narrators, beautifully written literary fiction with a strong sense of place, and commercial crime and thrillers that keep the reader on the edge of their seats. Narrative nonfiction that straddles genre, especially nature writing, travel, history, anthropology, art and the environment. Memoir and books by experts and specialists. Would love to find a compelling all-consuming love story, or a food writer of the calibre of Bill Buford or Anthony Bourdain. Does not represent children's, YA or fantasy fiction.

Submissions are currently closed until 1st April 2026. When open, submit by email to sophie.lambert@cwagency.co.uk.

Literary fiction, fiction, nonfiction, memoir

An engrossing literary novel, a funny and compelling novel about family dynamics, expert-led nonfiction, and memoir that makes you rethink your place in the world.

Currently closed to submissions. When open, send the first three chapters and a synopsis for fiction, or a draft proposal for non-fiction, to convilleoffice@cwagency.co.uk. Does not represent children's, YA, gift, or humour books. Do not submit directly to Clare or Lizzie — submissions sent that way will not receive a response.

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.

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

Literary estates, contracts

Wants: Not applicable (profile focuses on estates and contracts role)

Georgia Glover manages an eclectic list of clients with a strong focus on literary estates, working to keep classic writers' works available for new generations of readers. She actively seeks opportunities to bring lesser-known but deserving works back into print. Her list encompasses both Fiction and Non-Fiction.

Georgia Glover does not accept unsolicited submissions. Writers should use the DHA submissions page at https://davidhigham.co.uk or submissions or to identify and approach an appropriate agent.

Fiction and non-fiction

Non-fiction: craft, cookery, biography, memoir, health, mind body spirit, travel, history, natural history, true crime, pop culture. Fiction: commercial women's, crime, thrillers, literary (not experimental), YA, children's

Agency is currently closed to new clients and not accepting submissions.

Reading group fiction, crime, thriller, psychological fiction, literary fiction, fantasy, historical fiction

Wants: Adult fiction across genres (reading group to SFF etc); high-concept hooks; page-turning plots; crime/thriller, historical, fantasy, reading group (per agent page).

Reading group fiction, crime and thriller, psychological novels, high-concept hooks, novels that feel ambitious and international, page-turners with a lot of twists and turns

Email submissions@mushens-entertainment.com with a clear subject line (e.g. Fiction Submission: TITLE), the cover letter in the body of the email, a synopsis as an attachment, and a PDF or Word document containing either the first three chapters, the first 10,000 to 15,000 words, or the first 50 pages. Address the email to Juliet. Note: Juliet is currently closed to submissions.

Literary fiction, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy

See source page for more info

The agency is currently closed for submissions. Submissions are expected to reopen in the new year, so prospective authors should check the website periodically for updates.

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.

Literary fiction, non-fiction

Wants: Agency page notes milly is closed to submissions (see about/agent list); represents broad non-fiction and select literary fiction (per external bios)

Broad non-fiction including memoir, creative non-fiction, food, art, comedy, the natural world, psychology, health, and the social and political. In fiction, character-driven literary fiction that is brutally honest, exploring inner lives and social dynamics, with darkness and complexity but not without hope, and writing that is playful and poetic. Does not represent children's, YA, sci-fi, fantasy or crime.

Email - submissions@colwillandpeddle.com

Fiction and non-fiction

Women's fiction (commercial to literary), book club reads, crime and thrillers, interesting narrative non-fiction

Email submissions@hardmanswainson.com and specify Hannah Ferguson's name in the cover email.

Fiction and non-fiction, children's

Adult: literary fiction, commercial women's, psychological suspense, gothic thrillers, ghost stories, historical including alternate histories, creeping-horror edge (not high fantasy). Children's: 7+/MG/YA, originality/depth, underrepresented voices welcome

Email submissions@nurnberg.co.uk

Adult and children's books

Eclectic mix of literary and commercial adult and children's

Email a covering note with a one-line elevator pitch, two or three comparable titles, and a back-cover blurb. For fiction, attach a one-page synopsis and the first three chapters. For non-fiction, send a proposal covering the book's subject, why you are best placed to write it, and a twenty-page writing sample. See https://www.unitedagents.co.uk or submission-guidelines for full details.

Fiction and non-fiction

Literary and general fiction and non-fiction, especially autobiography and memoir, international writing

Submit via email to the agent directly or send to the general submissions address if unsure which agent to approach. Full submission guidelines are at https://davidhigham.co.uk or submissions/

Literary fiction, non-fiction

Literary fiction and non-fiction that combines formal precision with emotional depth. In fiction: character-driven narratives with conceptual freshness, ranging from highly literary to broadly engaging works, including love and family stories that explore human relationships with honesty and nuance, artful hybrid novels, speculative fiction that unsettles conventional modes of being, and historical fiction animated by contemporary sensibility. In non-fiction: writing that balances scholarly rigor with vivid personal narrative, including literary biographies, socially-rooted memoir, and cultural histories.

Jessica Lee is currently closed for submissions until the end of March. After that date, submissions can be sent to the agency email address with details of your project.

Literary fiction and non-fiction (international or translated)

Voice-led literary fiction and non-fiction that cross borders, plays with form/genre, open to submissions in all languages

Synopsis and bio in English preferred

Literary agency (rights in all media)

See source page for more info

Email - info@lorellabelliagency.com

Fiction and non-fiction

Upmarket and accessible literary/commercial 'sweet spot', thrillers/suspense, book club fiction, epic multi-generational family drama, powerful love story with mystery

Online form - https://www.madeleinemilburn.co.uk or submissions/

Fiction and narrative non-fiction

Upmarket and literary fiction in English and Spanish, character-driven, heart-wrenching fiction, modern love stories, genre-bending upmarket crime, narrative non-fiction about women's experiences

QueryManager (via site form) - https://www.aevitascreative.com or contact

Literary fiction, non-fiction, poetry

Literary fiction and non-fiction, including novelists, journalists, and academics

Submit via email following the instructions at https://rcwlitagency.com or submissions/

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, thrillers, young adult, history, travel, food, nature writing, investigative journalism, popular science, popular psychology

Literary fiction, book club and commercial fiction (including thrillers and YA). In non-fiction: history, travel, food, nature writing, investigative journalism, popular science and popular psychology.

Email: rachel@georginacapel.com

Literary fiction and serious non-fiction

Serious nonfiction and literary fiction

Email EHorn@unitedagents.co.uk with a short cover letter, a biographical note, and the first 10,000 words of your manuscript, with the subject line 'FAO Caroline Dawnay'.

Adult fiction, select children's or ya and non-fiction

Upmarket commercial/book club and accessible literary, female-lens storytelling, historical with hook, romcoms, unusual structures, thrillers/crime with point of difference, select children's/YA crime/thrillers and MG adventure

Email - sohoagencysubmissions@gmail.com