10 UK Literary Agents to Consider for History and Historical Fiction

Good for writers working in military or commercial history, especially projects that need both narrative drive and serious subject expertise.

Represents

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

How to submit

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 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.

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

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.

Useful for history writers with a clear specialist angle, especially narrative non-fiction that can travel beyond an academic readership.

Represents

Fiction, non-fiction, poetry

How to submit

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.

Worth reviewing for expert-led history projects with a strong story engine and a clear route to general readers.

Represents

Fiction and non-fiction

How to submit

Submit via the agency online form at https://amheath.com or submissions

A good match for history writers whose work combines intellectual range, narrative confidence, and broad trade appeal.

Represents

Literary fiction, crime fiction, thriller, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, commercial fiction, book club fiction, upmarket fiction, history, sport, popular science

How to submit

Direct queries about submissions to Isobel@rcwlitagency.com.

Useful for writers exploring historical subjects through fiction or non-fiction with a thoughtful commercial edge.

Represents

Fiction and select non-fiction

How to submit

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

Strong for narrative history and literary non-fiction, particularly work with voice, authority, and international reach.

Represents

Fiction and non-fiction

How to submit

Email isobel@blakefriedmann.co.uk with a cover letter in the body of the email. Attach a synopsis of 250-300 words and the first three chapters or first 10,000 words as Word documents (.doc or .docx). Include the book title and your name in the subject line. For non-fiction, attach a synopsis of up to 500 words, a chapter plan, and two sample chapters.

A smart option for history writers with big ideas, cultural context, and a clear argument running through the book.

Represents

Fiction and non-fiction

How to submit

Online portal - https://felicitybryan.com or submissions or submit-your-work/

Particularly relevant for serious history and military history, with editorial taste shaped by long experience around books and journalism.

Represents

Fiction, literary non-fiction, memoir, biography, nature, history

How to submit

Email - submissions@nurnberg.co.uk

Best suited here for historical fiction writers whose stories pair accessible hooks with atmosphere and strong character work.

Represents

Fiction, non-fiction, ya

How to submit

Email maria@greyhoundliterary.co.uk with a cover letter and pitch in the body of the email. For fiction, attach the first three chapters and a synopsis. For non-fiction, attach a proposal and sample writing.