UK Literary fiction Literary Agents

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

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 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.

Science fiction (primarily)

Speculative/SF with social commentary, dystopia/utopia, apocalypse, AI/other intelligences, first contact, big ideas, literary-leaning

QueryManager - https://querymanager.com or jackmozley

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.

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.

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

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, 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

Literary fiction, reading group fiction, commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction, nature writing, memoir, politics, social issues

Fiction and non-fiction that stimulates debate, comments on the world around us, and evokes an emotional response; especially literary and reading group fiction and stories with commercial cross-over appeal; in non-fiction, most interested in narrative non-fiction, nature writing, memoir, politics, and social issues

For fiction, email a cover letter and the first three chapters to submissions@robertcaskie.com. For non-fiction, email a detailed outline, a sample chapter, and an introductory email to submissions@robertcaskie.com. Do not send children's, crime and thriller, YA, horror, or SF. Responses are only sent to those from whom more material is requested.

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.

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 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.

Fiction

Thought-provoking and intelligent fiction (commercial or literary)

Email submissions@thenorthlitagency.com

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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).

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 non-fiction

Smart compelling commercial-to-literary, upmarket crime/thrillers, voiced historical, light horror/gothic/supernatural, memoir, narrative non-fiction, health/wellbeing/lifestyle from experts

Email julia@greyhoundliterary.co.uk

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, upmarket commercial fiction, short story collections, narrative non-fiction, memoir

Sharmaine is actively building a list of fiction and non-fiction with international ambition, seeking distinctive voices, emotional resonance, and stories that broaden how we see the world. She is looking for literary and upmarket commercial fiction — novels and short story collections that are character-driven, emotionally rich, and often international in perspective, including novels of love and relationships that balance commercial reach with literary ambition. She is also seeking fiction that reimagines or disrupts dominant narratives, recasting history, myth, and perspective through fresh voices. In non-fiction, she is interested in expert-led works on culture, politics, and society with narrative drive, as well as bold memoirs that move beyond the personal to spark wider cultural conversations.

Submit via Query Tracker.

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 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.

Literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, children's books

Voice-led fiction with literary quality, compelling stories, and books that provoke thought, wonder, and laughter.

Submit by email to Georgia Garrett's assistant Ivy Pottinger-Glass at ivy@rcwlitagency.com. Fiction submissions should include a covering letter, the first three chapters or approximately the first fifty pages to a natural break, and a brief synopsis. Non-fiction should be a proposal of up to twenty pages. Attachments in Word or PDF are acceptable, or paste sample chapters into the email body. Submit to one agent only. Response time is approximately six to eight weeks, no acknowledgement of receipt.

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.

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/