Talent often lies latent, undiscovered hiding in obscurity due to nothing more than a lack of exposure.
Presence is everything and with prominence comes many social connections, business associations, and profitable partnerships.
Finding a literary agent who is interested in your manuscript grants you all the insight, expertise, and social connections needed to boost your book to publication.
One had need just look at authors such as J.K. Rowling to see the importance of getting noticed by a good literary agent.
Once your success scales to such a magnitude, the help is invaluable. Yet any good writer who is still to debut the publishing scene will find a literary agent’s services just as invaluable.
To help you find the best match to your writing, here is an overview of 21 UK literary agents accepting submissions via email.
1. The Blair Partnership
The Blair Partnership is a prominent UK literary agency who has been involved in the representation behind the Harry Potter series of books. Situated upon Vine Hill in London, The Blair Partnership is always seeking new creative talent across the avenues of fiction and non-fiction for both kids and adults. Their illustrious client portfolio includes Zoe Adjonyoh, Ghanaian chef and author, Hassan Akkad, filmmaker and winner of the BBC2 documentary entitled “Exodus: Our Journey to Europe”, and the eight-year-old Syrian girl Bana Alabed who become world-renowned for her 2017 story “Dear World” published by Simon and Schuster. With these and J.K. Rowling being just a few of their world-famous talent, one would do well to be represented by The Blair Partnership. A range of agents are available to assess your work. Be sure to approach a suitable agent with a coverage in your style or genre.
As of now, The Blair Partnership is accepting commercial and reading group fiction, thrillers, crime fiction, historical fiction, horror, women’s fiction, accessible literary fiction, children’s and YA fiction, and non-fiction with an original message or platform. For fiction submissions, you can send the first thirty pages of your manuscript with a short one-page synopsis. For non-fiction submissions, you can send a short proposal and a writing sample. Check their agent page to find out which agent is appropriate for the kind of work you have written. Note that submissions can only be emailed to one agent at a time. . Full details regarding their submission process can be found on the submissions page of the agency.
2. DHH Literary
Founded in 2008 by David H Headley, DHH Literary is an agency which carries a range of experienced agents. Submissions should be made to a specific agent, after going through their specializations available on this page. Here, you will find a team of in-house agents who are readily available to guide you through your creative process. Helping both established writers and debut authors, DHH Literary represents a range of novelists, short-story writers and children’s authors. The agency also accepts select works in non-fiction. They have led many fantastic authors towards success. A prime example of their published talent is Abi Elphinstone who came up with the “The Unmapped Chronicles”, a story of mysticism and magic set in the heart of adventure. You can find full details of their electronic submission process on the DHH Literary Agency ‘Submissions Page’. Submissions should include a covering letter, a brief synopsis, and a sample of your writing (the first three chapters or up to 10,000 words). The agency will take around 8 to 16 weeks to review your work.
3. Miles Stott Children’s Literary Agency
If you’re looking for a UK based children’s literary agency that accepts submissions via email, Miles Stott could be the organisation for you. This Pembrokeshire based agency was established by Nancy Miles, Victoria Birkett and Mandy Suhr in 2003. Over the last two decades, it has represented award-winning authors and illustrators from across the globe. The agency works with debut authors and illustrators and also those who are midway through their careers.
Miles Stott Children’s Literary Agency represents children’s nonfiction books, picture books, board books, novelty books, young fiction, middle grade fiction and YA fiction. It does not represent educational books, musical books or poetry. If you’re interested in making a submission to Miles Stott, ensure your book is first class, as this agency receives many submissions on a daily basis, and follow the instructions carefully at its submissions page. For fiction and non-fiction submissions, you need to mail a brief synopsis with the first three chapters of your book in Word format. For picture books and artworks, you can submit up to three texts (no longer than 800 words) and illustrators can email up to five low resolution JPEG images. Fiction and non-fiction submissions can be emailed here. For picture books and artwork, drop your submissions to this email address.
4. Aitken Alexander Associates
Aitken Alexander Associates was established in 1976 and they hold offices in both London and New York. While the founders had their humble beginnings, they eventually established the company as a large, well-established literary agency that supplies expert editorial advice, as well as profound skills in the negotiation of terms and contracts. Their star-studded array of authors includes Douglas K Murray who recently signed a deal with Bloomsbury Books for his exploration of modern taboos “The Strange Death of Europe”, and Mark Lowery with his delightful discourse on empathy “Charlie and Me – 421 Miles from Home”. Aitken Alexander Associates are always seeking new talent, despite their huge roster of published clients. Aitken Alexander Associates accepts submissions in both fiction and non-fiction and you can check their literary agents’ page to understand which agent is best suited to handle your project. Submissions can be emailed here and the subject line of your email should indicate the specific agent you are looking to work with. Your submission should also include a covering letter, a short synopsis, and the first 30 pages of your work. More details about the submission process can be found here.
5. Johnson & Alcock Literary Agency
Headquartered in London, Jonson & Alcock Literary Agency represents both fiction and non-fiction authors and are accepting of both print and email submissions. Founded in 1956, they represent a wide range of bestselling authors. Currently, the company has a team of six agents to assess your creative abilities. You can check their preferred style and specializations before submitting your work. John & Alcock boasts a great selection from debut authors like Cara Hunter’s “Close to Home”, a gripping eight-book tale of an eight-year-old gone missing. Another great recent success was the Hamish Hamilton acquisition of debut novel “Supper Club” written by Lara Williams. You can find complete details covering their submissions process on the Johnson & Alcock Literary Agency “Submissions Page”. Emails should be addressed to the individual agent, on [agent’s first name]@johnsonandalcock.co.uk. You can check the ‘Agents’ tab on their website to understand the specific requirement of each agent. As with many other literary agencies, submissions should include a short covering letter, a brief book synopsis, and the first three chapters (around 50 pages) of your book.
6. Janklow & Nesbit UK
Janklow & Nesbit is a large, prominent, powerful literary agency with offices in London and New York. Exhibiting a diverse range of clients including Michael Crichton, Anne Rice, Danielle Steel, Tom Wolfe, and Jeffrey Eugenides, their representation, should you be selected, is nothing short of outstanding. In addition to promoting authors, the company has also promoted notable US politicians including Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, and Senator John Kerry. In fact, no matter which genre you look at, Janklow & Nesbit excel. The company has also backed non-fiction authors like Gore Vidal and David McCullough. While their London agency opened its doors in 2010, Janklow & Nesbit has been in operation since 1973. You can find full details of their submission process on the Janklow & Nesbit UK ‘Submissions’ page. Before sending your submissions, check the agent profile to understand which agent is best suited to handle your project. Submissions can be emailed here, with your name, the title of the work, and the name of the agent you want to collaborate with. Fiction submissions should include a covering letter, a brief synopsis, and either the first three chapters or the first fifty pages (whichever is more appropriate). Non-fiction submissions should include a covering letter (no longer than a page), a complete outline, detailing the aim of every chapter, and a sample chapter (not mandatory).
7. Fraser Ross Associates
Established in 2002 by Linsey Fraser and Kathryn Ross, leaders of the Scottish Book Trust for over a decade, Fraser Ross Associates is a leading UK-based literary agency. Carrying illustrious representation achievements such as talent including renowned authors such as Sorrel Anderson, Gill Arburthnott & Tim Archbold, Fraser Ross Associates are leading agents with a UK and international presence. Their team of professionals have worked side-by-side with the BBC to launch the “Blue Peter Book Awards”, as well as having served on the Nestle Smarties, Whitbread and Fidler judging panels. Submissions of novels, non-fiction and picture books are accepted digitally. You can find full details of their submission process and requirements on the Fraser Ross Associates ‘Submission Page’. Submissions can be sent by filling out the contact form on the submissions page. Alternatively, you can also e-mail your submission with a covering letter. Note that the body of the email will serve as the covering letter and you do not need to attach a separate document.
8. Soho Agency
The Soho Agency was established in 2019 by merging Lucas Alexander Whitley and Factual Management- two agencies with a solid reputation of representing stellar clients. The agency is a member of the Association of Author’s Agents, the Personal Managers Association, and The Association of Illustrators. The agency accepts submissions in both fiction and non-fiction and, they have represented popular authors like Neil Alexander, Pat Allerton, Ben Brenton. General submissions can be emailed here, and children’s and YA submissions can be emailed here. Before sending in your works, check out the agent descriptions to understand what exactly the agents are looking for. You can also check this page for detailed submission guidelines.
9. Eve White Literary Agency
Eve White Literary Agency represents authors who produce adult and children’s fiction, as well as non-fiction. The founder, Eve White is a seasoned author who was shortlisted for the BIA 2015 Literary Agent of the Year award, and the British Book Awards in 2017’s agent of the year prize. This agency features a surprisingly quick submission reply time of under a week on average and they are always welcoming of new clients across a variety of genres. As a proud member of the Association of Authors, Eve White Literary Agency proudly represents rapidly rising talent like Andy Stanton, Sarah Coyle, and Tracey Corderoy. For adult and children’s fiction, you need to send three opening chapters with a short synopsis of the plotline. Children’s submissions can be emailed here, and adult fiction submissions can be emailed to this address. For non-fiction submissions, you need to attach a short proposal, a brief book synopsis and your updated CV. Submissions can be forwarded to this email address. Full details of their submission process, can be found on Eve White Literary Agency’s ‘Submissions Page’.
10. Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency
Founded in 2012, Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency has established themselves as one of the leading literary agencies of UK. Situated in Mayfair, London, they boast an astonishing array of talent across many genres in English literature. Madeleine Milburn, a St. Andrews Literature and Language graduate, has helped many new authors reach fame thanks to the print and film partnerships her agency holds. The agency has published powerhouse authors like Holly Bourne who even received screen-rights for her novel “How Do You Like Me Now?”. Additionally, Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency also holds close collaboration, with prestigious associations like the Creative Artists Agency in Los Angeles. Adult submissions can be addressed to this email and children’s and YA submissions can be sent here. For submissions in fiction, you need to send a covering letter, a one-page synopsis, and the first three chapters of your book. For illustrations, you can send a link to your portfolio with a short blurb about yourself. Finally, for non-fiction submissions, you need to send a book proposal, a covering letter, and a 30-page writing sample. Full details of the submission process is available on the ‘Submissions Page’ of the agency
11. Andrew Lownie Literary Agency
Founded in 1977 by American born journalist and bookseller Andrew Lownie, the Andrew Lownie Literary Agency is a prominent literary agency of UK. Prior to establishing this agency, Andrew worked for several media houses like The Times, The Spectator and The Guardian. Aided by the commercial and literary fiction expert David Haviland, this agency covers a broad range of genres. To get a better idea of their preferred style, you can take a look at their published works. Book rights to “Louis XIC: The Gift of God” by Josephine Wilkinson and “Princess: The Early Life of Queen Elizabeth II” by Jane Dismore, will give you a good idea about to what they find works in the UK. Full details of their submission process can be found on the ‘How to Submit‘ page. Note that Andrew Lownie Literary Agency is currently open to submissions in non-fiction. To submit your work, send a short one page book synopsis, details about your qualifications to write the book, a short page describing five most recent and competitive authors, a page detailing your sources, a page about specialist marketing outlets like websites or magazines, and a sample chapter. Submissions can be emailed here.
12. Hardman and Swainson
If you’re looking to get represented by one of the leading literary agencies of UK, Hardman and Swainson is your answer. Accepting both literary fiction and narrative non-fiction, this agency has covered multiple genres (including but not limited to) women’s fiction, young adult titles, crime and thriller titles, horror, historical fiction, middle grade fiction, biographies, memoirs and the likes of it. Operated by a team of exceptionally talented literary agents, this agency has published best-selling titles from authors like Anna Bell, Jon Bounds, Cathy Bramley, Matt Brolly, and others. What’s more, they are also keen on representing fresh talent as long as they come up with quality manuscripts. Currently, Hardman and Swainson is actively seeking submissions. For submissions in fiction, you can email the full page manuscript, a short synopsis, and a brief covering letter. For non-fiction titles, email a covering letter emphasizing on how your work stands out, a short book proposal, a sample chapter and the entire manuscript. For children’s and YA fiction, email a sample chapter with a covering letter and a short synopsis. You can find a detailed insight on their submission guidelines on this page
13. Diamond Kahn & Woods Literary Agency
Established in 2012, Diamond Kahn & Woods Literary Agency is a team of three renowned publishing agents holding international acclaim. Over the last couple of years, the agency has helped numerous stars rise to fame in both publishing, film and television. What’s more, these talented agents have also won numerous prestigious awards. Ella Diamond Kahn, founder and literary agent, holds a specialization in children’s fiction, upmarket contemporary novels, historical fiction, a selected range of non-fiction, and science fiction. Bryony Woods is a publishing graduate from the University College of London who focuses on quirky children’s fiction, young adult and adult fiction, and non-fiction. Elinor Cooper is the third literary agent at DKW Literary. She has worked closely with countless authors and illustrators since her degree in English & American Literature from the University of Manchester. Ella and Bryony received the Rising Stars of 2013 Award by ‘The Bookseller’, and won the London Book Fair Trailblazer Awards of 2016, and the Young Stationers’ Prize 2016. They are always looking for new talent. Full details of the submission process can be found on the Diamond Kahn & Woods Literary Agency ‘Submissions’ page. Submissions can be emailed with the first three chapters of your book, a short book synopsis, and a character outline. Since Ella isn’t accepting submissions until October 2020, you can reach out to Bryony with your work.
14. Lutyens & Rubinstein Literary Agency
Lutyens & Rubinstein Literary Agency is a UK-based agency which prides itself on collaborative promotion of new and established authors. While they don’t accept film scripts or plays, Lutyens & Rubinstein are always seeking new talent from multiple domains. Backed by seasoned agents Jane Finigan, Daisy Parente, Juliet Mahony, Francesca Davies, and Susannah Godman, their portfolio spans a broad range. From fiction to non-fiction, children’s content, young adult fiction, illustrated books and cookery, the agency’s client list includes numerous award winners. With their own independent bookshop in Notting Hill, Lutyens & Rubinstein are well known for their promotion of bestsellers to both a local and international market. You can email your materials (up to 5000 words) here, If you want the material to be addressed to specific agent, please mark it for the attention of Susannah Godman. You can find full details of their submission process on the Lutyens & Rubinstein Literary Agency ‘Submissions’ page.
15. Darley Anderson Literary, TV, and Film Agency
Based in London, the Darley Anderson Literary, TV, and Film Agency was established by Darley Anderson in 1988. The company primarily publishes fiction, children’s books, and a select few titles in non-fiction. Their top categories include thrillers, mysteries, psychological suspense, crime, horror, fantasy, accessible literary, romantic comedy, chick-lit, women in jeopardy, sagas and historical novels. Over the years, the agency has represented talented writers for their incredible works in adult, children’s fiction, and non-fiction. Some notable authors represented by the agency include Haleh Agar, Rosie Blake, and Martina Cole. The agency is currently accepting submissions in adult and children’s fiction. However, they are not accepting poetry, short stories, screenplays, radio plays, and theatre scripts at the moment. Detailed ‘submission guidelines’ can be found here.
16. Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency
Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency boasts a successful range of authors and illustrators across all genres of fiction and children’s books. The agency was founded over thirty years ago by Caroline Sheldon, a prominent publisher of women’s and children’s books. You also have the skills and experience of Felicity Trew, premier literary agent, and Georgia Holmes who runs administration at your disposal. Between them the agency has contacts in film, television, translation and merchandising. As a proud member of the Association of Author’s Agents, Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency is open to submissions from new and existing authors. Submissions can be sent with a brief synopsis of your work (up to three sentences) and a short author bio. For adult and children’s books you need to attach a short synopsis along with the first three chapters of your book (or 10,000 words). For picture books, you need to send the text in PDF format. Full details are available on the submissions page. Here, you will also find some handy tips to kick-start the promotion of your manuscript.
17. The Ampersand Agency Ltd
The Ampersand Agency Ltd is a literary agency established by the once-youngest member of the editorial board of Penguin Books. Headquartered in Oxfordshire and a proud member of the Association of Author’s Agents, the agency has four specialized literary agents to assist you. The agency has worked with renowned talent like John Travolta, Muhammad Ali, David Gemmel, PD James, and Nate Crowley. What’s more, they’ve also represented a wide range of genres, including crime thrillers to non-fiction, science fiction, contemporary and adult novels, and even children’s books. They are open to unsolicited manuscript submissions via email and are not open to TV and film projects. Note that in fiction, the company is currently accepting contemporary and historical novels, literary fiction, crime fiction, thrillers, fantasy, and science fiction. In non-fiction they are accepting titles focusing on current affairs, history, biography, and popular science. The Ampersand Agency Ltd has explicitly stated on their website that they do not handle poetry, self-help books, or stories for young children. Submissions can be emailed with sample chapters and a brief book outline. However, before sending your submission check this page to understand which agent is best suited to collaborate with you on your project.
18. North Bank Talent
Formerly known as, Diane Banks Associates, North Bank Talent is a leading UK based literary agency. They cover a broad range of talent spanning almost all genres of fiction and non-fiction. They have represented authors in almost all genres of fiction and non-fiction. What’s more, they have recently rolled out a corporate branch where they also represent motivational speakers and influencers. With a team of exceptionally talented agents, this agency is always looking for new submissions. You can find full details regarding their requirements, expectations and submission process on this page. For adult fiction, you can send an email here. For adult non-fiction, you can send an email here. For children’s, young adult, science fiction or fantasy, emails can be sent here.
19. Bell Lomax Moreton
Bell Lomax Moreton was established in 2000 and has since expanded to exhibit a wide range of talented, prominent authors and illustrators. Their portfolio includes numerous forms of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. The only manuscripts which they don’t represent are poetry, short stories, novellas, educational textbooks, film scripts, and stage plays,. Their publication of young adult fiction and children’s illustrated books is the most prominent from their portfolio. For fiction, children’s books, and narrative non-fiction you need to send a short plot synopsis, the first three chapters of your book (or 50 pages), and a covering letter that lists out your previously published works. If you are looking to drop a proposal for illustrated non-fiction, you need to send a detailed outline, some sample material, and details about your previously published titles. Finally, for children’s picture books you can send the full text of up to three manuscripts, sample illustrations (in pdf, png, or jpg format) and a covering letter. . If you are a writer or illustrator looking to find representation, you can find full details of their preferences and process on the Bell Lomax Moreton ‘Submissions’ page.
20. Felicity Bryan Associates Literary Agency
Felicity Bryan Associates Literary Agency was founded in 1988 and has an illustrious client list of over two-hundred published authors. Between their four full-time agents and one associate agent, they promote everything from adult and children’s fiction across all genres, and non-fiction. The company is currently accepting submissions in original ‘bookclub’ and literary debut fiction, contemporary middle grade fiction, and upmarket non-fiction. Note that they aren’t currently accepting titles in science fiction, horror, dystopia, satire, romance, erotica, self-help, religion, philosophy, scripts, poetry, books with animals as the protagonists, books aimed at children under the age of 8, pamphlets and articles. Submissions can be emailed with a covering letter and author bio. You can find the full details of their submission process on the agency’s submission page.
21. Kate Hordern Literary Agency
A leading UK based literary agency; Kate Hordern Literary Agency only accepts submissions from authors residing in the United Kingdom. They have been exhibiting great success in the promotion of new talent ever since the agency’s founding in 1999. The founding agents include Kylie Fitzpatrick with a focus on historical fiction, Will Randal who specializes in humorous narrative travel books, Richard Basset covering history, and Jeff Dawson with his talent lying in football writing and narrative history. Roughly ten new clients are taken every year, and full details of their submission process are available on this submission portal.
Pinpointing the Perfect Literary Agent in the UK
Before rushing off to submit your proposal and the first few chapters of your manuscript, be sure to find the best match to your genre, writing style, and audience. Literary agents will only take in interest in their areas of specialization. When devising your pitch, be sure to address previous success stories of your prospective agent, in comparison to your own work. Highlight how your writing brings innovation, and the areas of similarity where strength of promotion can be found. The key is getting noticed.
Do you know any other UK literary agents looking for new writers? Are you aware of any other literary agents in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland? Please tell us about them in the comments box below!
If you’re looking to make a submission directly to a publishing house without a literary agent, be sure to read our post about 21 UK publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts.
21 UK Literary Agents Accepting Submissions via Email is an article from Writing Tips Oasis.
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