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UK Young adult (YA) Literary Agents

128 agents · 80 currently open to submissions

UK YA is smaller than the US market, but it still rewards a voice that knows exactly who it is speaking to. Romance, fantasy, contemporary, and thriller each have their own readers and shelves. The stakes need to matter in the teenage world, not merely borrow adult problems.

This UK page shows agents who explicitly represent YA. The broad search toggle catches more who'd consider it under children's, teen fiction, new adult, or a wider commercial list.

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Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 7 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, crime, thrillers, historical fiction, children's, young adult, non-fiction

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 7 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Crime, thrillers, literary thriller, commercial thriller, fantasy, dystopian, literary speculative fiction, dark academia, horror, high-concept book club fiction

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first three chapters

Looking for

Characters with dark pasts, tragic futures or buried trauma. Crime and thrillers across the literary and commercial spectrum, fantasy, dystopian fiction, literary speculative fiction, dark academia, horror, and high-concept book club fiction.

How to submit

Email submissions@mushens-entertainment.com with the subject line 'Fiction Submission: TITLE OF YOUR WORK', addressed to Rachel Neely. Include a cover letter in the body of the email, a synopsis as an attachment, and a PDF or Word document of your first three chapters, first 10–15,000 words, or first 50 pages. Manuscript must be complete at time of submission.

Last checked 7 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, adult nonfiction, children's fiction, young adult, german-language authors

Wants: German-language submissions, covering letter, one-page synopsis, first three chapters, first fifty pages, nonfiction proposal, sample chapters

Looking for

Christina Kruse is a junior agent at Andrew Nurnberg Associates representing a select list of German-language authors. She is open only to submissions written in German. She considers adult fiction and nonfiction as well as children's and YA manuscripts, and is drawn to well-crafted, voice-driven stories with heart, narratives that take place in the margins, and fresh, thoughtful perspectives that go against the grain.

How to submit

Email submissions@nurnberg.co.uk and address the submission to Christina Kruse in the subject line. Submit German-language work only. Include a covering letter in the email body, a one-page synopsis attached, and the first three chapters or 50 pages attached. For nonfiction, send an overview, chapter outlines, and three sample chapters.

Last checked 5 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction and non-fiction

Looking for

High-quality adult non-fiction and fiction, YA for young teens. Non-fiction: natural history, memoir, biography, history, cookery, current affairs, humour, lifestyle

How to submit

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.

Last checked 30 Sept 2026Via Other
Represents

Fiction

Looking for

Character-driven debuts, sweeping stories with big universal themes, high concepts, thought-provoking, uplifting, original narrative voices, emotional journeys. Not: sci-fi, fantasy, children/YA, poetry, plays, screenplays, short stories/novellas, any non-fiction

How to submit

Read each agent's profile and only submit to one agent from DHH. Follow the individual agent's submission guidelines. Do not submit via phone or the general enquiries email.

Last checked 29 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Children's (mg or ya or crossover), adult commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction

Looking for

Genre fiction and crossover children's, boy-led MG, teen fiction, graphic novel/illustrated MG or younger YA, quirky fantasy, dark/off-beat romantic comedy, domestic noir, cultural history/narrative non-fiction with strong voice

How to submit

Email submissions@nurnberg.co.uk with a cover letter in the body of the email, a one-page synopsis and first three chapters or up to 50 pages as attachments. Mark the subject line FAO Gyamfia Osei. For non-fiction, send an overview, chapter outlines, and three sample chapters.

Last checked 29 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, upper na or crossover fantasy, crossover sci-fi, crossover dystopian, crossover steampunk, crossover post-apocalyptic

Looking for

Adult fiction of all genres and upper NA/Crossover (16+) fantasy (including urban), SF, dystopian, steampunk, and post-apocalyptic fiction. Crossover fiction in these genres is accepted by Laura only.

How to submit

Email - submissions@liverpool-literary.agency

Last checked 29 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Sff, speculative fiction, horror, middle grade, ya, crossover fiction, graphic novels

Looking for

Adult SFF, speculative fiction and horror, children's middle grade, YA and crossover fiction, and graphic novels across all age ranges. Actively seeks authors and author-illustrators from diverse and traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

How to submit

Email submissions directly to katie@theampersandagency.co.uk. Note: she does not represent children's picture books or short stories not fitting the above genres.

Last checked 29 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, non-fiction

Wants: Cover letter, first three chapters, synopsis

Looking for

Adult and children's fiction, along with a small amount of non-fiction — above all, a great story with characters to care deeply about. Bold, distinctive voices, intriguing stories with a strong hook, and flawed characters with something to learn. Truly diverse characters and inclusive, body-positive, joyful representation, as well as big, mind-bending ideas and fresh combinations of genres. Particularly interested in Thrutopias, graphic novels, highly integrated illustrated middle grade or YA fiction, and funny fiction for children and young adults.

How to submit

Submit via the online form at https://hs-la.com or submissions or during the open window (1st–7th of each month). Include a cover letter, the first three chapters of your manuscript, and a synopsis.

Last checked 29 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Children's fiction, ya, middle grade, chapter books, graphic novels, cosy crime, crime fiction

Wants: See agent page for currently-open genres; query must match listed genres. does not represent picture books

Looking for

Big-concept commercial series fiction for children and YA, with particular interest in middle grade across all subgenres — mystery, fantasy, historical, funny, adventure, verse, illustrated, animal perspectives — especially with a strong voice or hook. Chapter books with series potential for ages 7 and up, and graphic novels across all children's and YA age ranges. In YA, contemporary novels including rom-coms with a hook, high-concept stories with strong friendships or sibling relationships, mysteries, thrillers, and light speculative fiction; will consider historical YA with action. For adult, only open to cosy crime, smart contemporary crime with humour, crime with a fantasy twist, and crime with a sci-fi element — nothing dark or gritty, no child death or gratuitous violence. Not open to picture books, YA fantasy, contemporary adult fiction, adult non-fiction, literary novels, romance, or poetry.

How to submit

Email gemmaqueries@gemmacooperliterary.com with the book title, a short pitch, a brief author bio, and the first ten pages pasted into the body of the email — no attachments. Graphic novel or illustrated non-fiction submissions may include a link to a website or social media where work is shared, or attach up to five low-res images. Emails sent to info@gemmacooperliterary.com will be deleted unread.

Last checked 27 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction and non-fiction

Looking for

Pacy romcoms, dark literary, historical forgotten perspectives, under-represented voices, non-fiction provoking discussion (memoir/polemic/recovered histories/culture studies/self-help)

How to submit

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.

Last checked 27 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, crime, sci-fi, short story collections, poetry, narrative non-fiction, history, travel, food, nature writing, investigative journalism, popular science, popular psychology, children's, ya

Wants: Cover letter and ~500-word synopsis and first 3 chapters; include contact details

Looking for

Literary, book club, and commercial fiction including thrillers and YA; short story collections and poetry; narrative non-fiction with strong style; well-crafted crime and sci-fi; history, politics, science, psychology, true crime, travel, food, nature writing, investigative journalism, and popular psychology. Writers for children and young adults are also welcome.

How to submit

Submit by email or post. The postal address is 29 Wardour Street, London W1D 6PS. For email, visit georginacapel.com or contact to find the address.

Last checked 27 Sept 2026Via Other
Represents

Fiction and non-fiction

Looking for

Page-turners, clever, gripping stories with complicated/flawed characters, relationship-driven fiction, YA/NA fantasy, millennial and audience, underrepresented voices, environmental/social issues

How to submit

Submit via the online form at https://amheath.com or submissions. Use submissions@amheath.com only for following up after 6 weeks with no response, notifying of an offer, sending requested full manuscripts, or submitting cookery or illustrated children's titles.

Last checked 26 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

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.

Last checked 26 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction and narrative non-fiction

Looking for

Fiction (adult and YA), literary and commercial, narrative non-fiction; strong voices and stories with narrative drive. Not: children's, genre sci-fi/fantasy, poetry, scripts

How to submit

Email a short covering letter, a one or two page synopsis, and the first three chapters of your completed manuscript to info@christinegreen.co.uk. Exclusive submissions preferred, if submitting to multiple agents and you receive an offer before hearing back, notify them promptly.

Last checked 26 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Children's authors and illustrators

Looking for

Children's/YA book projects (UK and Ireland only)

How to submit

Email submissions@alicewilliamsliterary.co.uk with a covering email briefly introducing the submission (genre, age, word count) and a little about yourself. Fiction: pitch in the body of the email, attach the full manuscript as a Word doc (double line spacing) and a one-side A4 synopsis. Picture book texts: attach two or three texts as separate Word documents. Non-fiction: provide an overview of concept, length, structure, readership, and sample spreads or chapters. Illustrators: include a portfolio link and optionally a low-res PDF dummy. Do not use AI-generated text or illustrations in your submission.

Last checked 26 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Middle grade, ya, crossover, new adult, picture book, adventure, mystery, horror

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first 3 chapters or 20 pages

Looking for

Kat is actively building her own list from middle grade through YA, crossover and New Adult, with a character-led taste and interest in adventure, mystery, darker YA and select picture book authors.

How to submit

Email Kat directly at kat@darleyanderson.com. For novels, send the first three chapters or first twenty pages plus a one-page synopsis. Picture book writers may send up to three full texts.

Last checked 23 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Children's and ya (and some adult)

Looking for

Middle grade and YA fiction across genres (pref voice/character-driven, contemporary/realistic settings, magical realism, original psychological thrillers, atmospheric horror, light fantasy). Also open to original children/YA non-fiction, selectively adult literary projects

How to submit

Submit by email via the PFD books submission page at https://petersfraserdunlop.com or submissions or books/, including a cover letter, synopsis, and the first three chapters or approximately 50 pages for fiction, or a detailed proposal for non-fiction.

Last checked 23 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Middle grade, ya, sff, children's

Wants: Per fba new voices bio: YA and commercial adult fiction; romance and fantasy for all ages; smart/engaging/bold with international appeal. note: agency submissions page currently not accepting fantasy/romantasy/SFF or children's/YA.

Looking for

Actively building a list spanning middle grade, YA and crossover fiction across all genres, and selective adult fiction in the SFF space. Drawn to immersive world-building, complex characters, twisty plots, and stories exploring identity, belonging and transformation.

How to submit

Submit via the PFD submissions page. Include a covering letter, one-page synopsis, and first three chapters or approximately 10,000 words.

Last checked 23 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Poetry, picture books, young fiction, middle grade fiction, ya fiction, children's non-fiction, author-illustrators

Wants: Children's fiction/non-fiction; picture books; first 3 chapters for fiction

Looking for

Poetry, picture books, young fiction, middle grade fiction, YA fiction and non-fiction for children, and author-illustrators who both write and illustrate their own work as well as illustrate for other authors

How to submit

Send a short synopsis, first 3 chapters for fiction (excluding prologues), or full manuscript for picture books, plus a covering letter with full contact details including email address. Submit electronically to john.mclay@btinternet.com or by post, if posting include a stamped self-addressed envelope.

Last checked 23 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction and select non-fiction

Looking for

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

How to submit

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

Last checked 22 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 21 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Fantasy, speculative fiction, romantasy, ya, adult fiction, satire

Looking for

Safae represents adult, YA, and crossover fiction with a focus on fantasy, speculative fiction, romantasy, and satire. She is drawn to dynamic, voice-driven narratives that carry a sense of urgency—stories that are emotionally impactful with a strong hook and smart-mouthed dialogue. She enjoys both dark, gritty narratives and quirky, offbeat stories, as well as fresh spins on familiar tropes such as enemies-to-lovers, fake relationships, and forbidden love. She also supports translators working from languages of the Global Majority. She is not looking for poetry, short story collections, novellas, picture books, middle grade fiction, or memoirs.

How to submit

Email: safae@rcwlitagency.com

Last checked 20 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

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

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first three chapters

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 20 Sept 2026Via QueryTracker

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