UK Upmarket fiction 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.

Non-fiction

Commercial and upmarket non-fiction, psychology, popular science, wellbeing, narrative non-fiction, biography, food, sustainability, health, expert-led projects with international/screen potential

Email rachel@rmliterary.co.uk with as much detail about yourself and the project as possible, ideally including at least one sample chapter. No reply within one month means the project was not a fit.

Fantasy, romantasy, rom-coms, book club romance, female-focused psychological thrillers, historical fiction, commercial non-fiction

Dark fantasy, romantasy (commercial and upmarket), dark academia, political intrigue, genre-blending (horror/romance, fantasy/horror), psychological thrillers with a dark edge, unhinged female protagonists, stories from underrepresented backgrounds. Interested in previously self-published authors within these genres and fanfiction authors writing original fiction

Send your cover letter, synopsis, and first three chapters or 10,000 words for fiction, or a proposal for non-fiction, to ciara.finan@curtisbrown.co.uk. Due to the volume of submissions received, a response to every query is not guaranteed. Writers should keep the agent updated if they receive a full manuscript request or an offer of representation from another agent.

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, crime fiction, non-fiction

Well-written commercial and literary fiction (incl women's fiction, award-winning crime, upmarket), interested in dysfunctional families, outsiders, messiness, working-class/regional voices (Irish/Scottish), diverse perspectives. Non-fiction: housing, class, feminism, social change, globalisation, sexuality and similar areas

Email - submissions@ryeliterary.com

Fiction and narrative non-fiction

Commercial and literary fiction (excluding SFF), narrative non-fiction; currently seeking voicy character-driven book club fiction, fresh crime, upmarket horror, and accessible eye-opening non-fiction

Email - mhoskins@unitedagents.co.uk

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

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

Fiction and non-fiction

Fiction: literary prize-winners to upmarket reading group, well-written crime, ambitious/surprising, messy family stories, longing/relationships. Non-fiction: art, culture, music, food, nature, mental health

Submit via the online portal at https://felicitybryan.com or submissions or submit-your-work/ — upload a synopsis or proposal and the first 3–4 chapters.

Fiction and non-fiction, journalism or serialisation

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

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/

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 and non-fiction

Fiction: literary/upmarket with escapism and page-turning readability, big high-stakes love stories from original angles. Non-fiction: writers shifting public discourse, health, medicine, history, politics, biographies/memoirs, cookery, art, music, lifestyle with a strong angle

Email submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk with subject line marked FAO Monica MacSwan. For fiction, attach the first three chapters or fifty pages plus a short synopsis. For narrative non-fiction, attach a short overview and up to 10,000 words of sample writing. For subject-led non-fiction, attach a proposal of approximately 5,000 words and no less than 5,000 words of sample writing. Include a cover letter with a brief description of the book, any writing credits or qualifications, and a short biographical note. All attachments should be Microsoft Word compatible.

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.

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.

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, personal development, narrative non-fiction, memoir

Literary and upmarket fiction, and in non-fiction expert voices in personal development, narrative non-fiction, emotive memoir, and books that engage with politics, culture and the status quo with intellectual depth. Passionate about bringing undiscovered ideas and fresh conversations to the mainstream.

Email a synopsis and sample material to hello@bergstromstudio.co.uk

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

Literary fiction, contemporary fiction, upmarket fiction, book club fiction, fantasy, horror, young adult, crossover

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first three chapters

Clara Foster wants intelligent, original fiction with deep emotion, strong line-level writing, and voice-led characters. She is looking for adult literary contemporary fiction with a strong female focus, upmarket and book club novels that are cleverly conceived, beautifully written, and accessible, fantasy and horror that explore the real world or the self, historical romantasy, urban fantasy, academic settings, body horror, lightly speculative fiction, and YA/crossover stories that are political while providing a strong story. She is not a likely fit for commercial women's fiction, science fiction, World War II or Holocaust stories, or narratives driven primarily by sexual assault, eating disorders, a great lie, or death of a child. She is not accepting nonfiction except by referral.

Submit via Clara Foster's official QueryTracker link from her submissions page. Send a query letter, synopsis, and first three chapters. All queries will receive a response.

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, book club fiction, narrative memoir, family saga, high society fiction, speculative fiction, magical realism, contemporary fiction, upmarket suspense, psychological thriller, postcolonial fiction, translated fiction, classical retellings

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first three chapters, first ten thousand words, proposal, writing sample

Rachel Yeoh is a literary agent building a list in literary, upmarket, and book club fiction, as well as select narrative nonfiction. She is actively looking for literary, upmarket, book club, global stories, human experience, social critique, class conflict, speculative fiction, family sagas, contemporary fiction, upmarket suspense, psychological thriller, postcolonial literature, translated fiction, classical retellings, and narrative memoir.

Submit through the relevant Madeleine Milburn online form and select Rachel Yeoh where available. Adult fiction submissions require a cover letter pasted into the form and one attachment containing a one-page synopsis plus the first three chapters or first 10,000 words. Nonfiction submissions require a cover letter and one document containing a 5,000 to 10,000 word sample and proposal. Do not submit by post or directly to email addresses.

Fiction and non-fiction

Fiction: literary/upmarket with edge, romance (incl dark academia, paranormals, grounded romantasy), mysteries with fresh angle, some literary speculative (not hard SFF). Non-fiction: science/nature, art/culture, social issues/politics, love/relationships, illustrated non-fiction, food/drink

Email (to one agent) - dchandley@pfd.co.uk

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, book club fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, essay collections, food writing, cookbooks

Fiction and non-fiction from underrepresented voices. In fiction, drawn to literary, upmarket and book club novels exploring family and relationship dynamics, sexuality, identity, and vulnerability — particularly stories about polyamory and ethical non-monogamy, epic multi-generational narratives, intelligent romantic comedies, relationship drama, coming-of-age tales centred on girlhood, and intimate formally inventive prose. In non-fiction, interested in narrative, memoir and essay collections from experts, academics, critics and journalists writing about society and culture, especially writers seeking to reshape conversations in their field. Particularly keen to add cookbooks and food writing to her list. Does not represent children's, YA or fantasy.

Email submissions@watsonlittle.com with Ciara's name specified. Include a cover letter in the body of the email with genre, word count, one-line pitch and a brief author bio. For fiction, attach approximately 10,000 words from the beginning of the manuscript and a separate synopsis as Word documents. For non-fiction, attach a full proposal as a single Word document. Do not submit to more than one Watson, Little agent at once. No AI-generated material accepted.

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/

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, speculative fiction, horror, magical realism, mythology reimaginings, fairy tale reimaginings, folklore reimaginings, cultural criticism, narrative nonfiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, food writing, short story collections, novellas

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first three chapters

Literary and upmarket fiction, speculative fiction, horror, magical realism, and reimaginings of myths, fairy tales, and folklore. Also cultural criticism, narrative nonfiction, big-idea nonfiction, and select cookbooks and food writing. Maria is the only agent at the agency who accepts novellas and short story collections.

Email submissions@mushens-entertainment.com with your submission addressed to Maria. For fiction, include a clear subject line (e.g. Fiction Submission: TITLE), a cover letter in the body of the email, an attached synopsis, and a PDF or Word document containing either the first three chapters, the first 10,000–15,000 words, or the first 50 pages. For non-fiction, include a proposal or the first 10,000–15,000 words of a completed manuscript. For short story collections (40,000–75,000 words total), include a synopsis and the full collection. For novellas (17,000–40,000 words), include a synopsis. Do not use AI to write or edit any part of your submission. Notify the agency if another agent requests your full manuscript or offers representation.

Children's fiction, ya, adult fiction, non-fiction

Eclectic, currently: upmarket contemporary, friendships, thoughtful sci-fi/fantasy, sweeping love stories, darkly magical, humorous, memoir/essays (occasional). Avoids gritty/harrowing crime, no picture books or poetry

Email the first three chapters, a 1-2 page synopsis including the full plot outline and ending, and a covering letter (Word format preferred) to submissions.bryony@bryonywoods.co.uk. The covering letter should describe the book, include a short author biography, and note any previous writing experience.

Fiction and non-fiction

Fiction: high-concept crime/thrillers, female-led commercial, upmarket commercial, book club, contemporary women's stories, romance, underrepresented voices, fresh-take historical, funny smart romcoms, sagas, gothic, sweeping love stories. Non-fiction: humour, memoir, lifestyle, social justice/polemic, cookery. Not horror/ghosts, not SFF, not YA/children, not sport/true crime, no short stories/novellas, no poetry/screenplay

Email db.submission@dhhliteraryagency.com with a cover letter, first 3 chapters, and a 1-page synopsis as Word attachments.

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, non-fiction

Literary and upmarket fiction and non-fiction (incl lifestyle/wellbeing), stand-out stories with strong leading idea and emotional depth, humour/charm. Currently not looking for crime fiction

Email submissions@watsonlittle.com with a cover letter in the body of the email, a synopsis, and approximately 10,000 words from the beginning of the manuscript as a Word document. For non-fiction, send a proposal as a single document including a sample chapter and chapter list with summaries.

Fiction and non-fiction

Non-fiction: history, popular science, social issues, nature, money/life management, music, sport, film, technology, memoir, true crime, experts with wide appeal. Fiction: literary and well-written commercial, boundary-pushing style with emotional heart and plot, upmarket with satisfying arc, historical or contemporary, genre-mixing

Email submissions@watsonlittle.com with a cover letter in the body of the email, a synopsis, and approximately 10,000 words from the beginning of the manuscript for fiction, or a proposal including a sample chapter and chapter summaries for non-fiction. Address one agent only. No AI-originated or AI-edited material.

Fiction and non-fiction

Literary and upmarket fiction, literary thrillers, smart women's fiction. Non-fiction on serious subjects in innovative ways (history, science, memoir, cookery, cultural criticism, social issues, psychology)

Email imogen@marjacq.com

Fiction and non-fiction

Upmarket commercial to literary fiction, distinctive voice/character-driven with strong hook/unusual perspective, multigenerational novels, gripping love stories, funny fiction, feminist/revisionary, experimental/form. Non-fiction: memoir and narrative, history, food writing/food system, nature/planet, popular science, genre-melding cultural writing

Email submissions@janklow.co.uk with your full name, the title of your work, and Claire Paterson Conrad's name in the subject line. For fiction: include a covering letter (in the email body), synopsis, and the first three chapters or first fifty pages as attachments. For non-fiction: include a covering letter, a full chapter-by-chapter outline, and a sample chapter. All documents should be double-spaced, size 12, in a reasonable font, and submitted as Word or PDF attachments — no external links. Responses are sent within 8 weeks if the agency wishes to read more.

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

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 and upmarket or book club fiction

Character-driven, emotionally resonant, culturally insightful literary/upmarket fiction, sweeping narratives, complex family dynamics, intergenerational sagas, sociopolitical/postcolonial/global themes, speculative or magical realism grounded in human experience, literary thrillers with psychological nuance

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

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.

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

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

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 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

Commercial fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, crime or psychological thriller, historical, gothic, magical realism or urban fantasy, selected non-fiction (per wishlist)

Not children's, YA, sci-fi, epic fantasy, or romantasy

Email - eg.submission@dhhliteraryagency.com

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

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

Women's commercial fiction, literary fiction, crime, thriller, upmarket book club fiction, quirky non-fiction, nature writing, history

Women's commercial fiction, literary fiction, crime/thriller, uplifting/book club, quirky non-fiction (nature/crime/history)

Email bd.submission@dhhliteraryagency.com with a cover letter and first 3 chapters (approximately 10,000 words) and a synopsis for fiction, or a cover letter and full proposal (covering overview, themes, story, and sources) for non-fiction.

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.

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

Fiction and non-fiction

Upmarket-commercial fiction, series crime/thrillers, historical fiction, high-concept fiction, narrative non-fiction, true crime, memoir, popular science/psychology, serious history

Email agauntlett@pfd.co.uk with a cover letter, full synopsis, and first three chapters (approximately 50 pages). Non-fiction submissions should include a detailed proposal and a cover letter with CV.

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/

Adult fiction

Upmarket and commercial fiction with an interesting narrative voice, a story with heart, and an emotional hook

Send your submission to crowleyofficesubmissions@curtisbrown.co.uk. For fiction submissions, include the first three chapters or 10,000 words of your material, a synopsis, and a biographical note. For non-fiction, send a detailed proposal.