Literary agents

How literary agencies work

Catherine Clarke gives an insight into literary agents, both large and small.

When I joined Felicity Bryan as a literary agent in June 2001, I knew I would be making one or two adjustments to my professional mindset. But I didn’t fully appreciate how different working for a small agency would be from the publishing job I had left behind - several years as a publishing director for trade books at Oxford University Press, having come up through the editorial route. OUPis a large organisation with a corporate structure and hierarchy, and several divisions which operate effectively as separate companies, not only in the UK but in offices all over the world. I was now joining an agent who had previously been a director at Curtis Brown in London, and had successfully set up her own business in 1988, and who up until this point had operated on her own, with an assistant and a bookkeeper, from a small, pretty office in north Oxford. It was with something of a sigh of relief that I left behind the regular weekly and monthly meetings with colleagues from various publishing departments, which even when they were fun and useful seemed to take up such an inordinate amount of time, and set about learning what the differences were between representing authors and publishing them.

The first eye-opening lesson was that even though the agency itself consisted of just two agents and two staff, it functioned as the hub of a vast, informal network of relationships, not only within the UK but right across the globe. On the day that I started work, an auction was in progress for a new book proposal, a memoir co-written with a ghostwriter. The authors were based in London, but the publishers bidding for it (by phone and email on this occasion) were in Germany. The bids were relayed to Felicity Bryan by our German translation sub-agent at Andrew Nurnberg Associates in London, specialists in translation rights. Felicity called the authors to keep them up to speed with what was happening, and eventually made a recommendation to them for which offer to accept. The deal, once it was done and announced in the trade press, kick-started auctions for the book in many other territories, including the UK and the USA. While all this was happening, Felicity picked up the phone and talked to a London-based agent who deals with film and television rights and agreed that, given the intense interest in the book, it would be a good time to submit it to production companies in London and Los Angeles and get the proposal on track for a film option or sale. The authors were, naturally, over the moon.

Meanwhile I, the novice agent, was learning fast from this on-the-job induction, and was also busy setting up meetings with editors and publishing directors in all the London publishing houses, particularly those who specialised in serious non-fiction – books by historians, literary biographers, and philosophers mostly, as that was my own background as a publisher, and the areas where my earliest clients would be coming from. I wanted to find out what books were selling well for each editor, and what they were looking for. In several cases they were looking for books on particular subjects, and asked if I could help find authors for them.

By the time I attended my first Frankfurt Book Fair in October 2001, I had a small list of my own clients and a few deals already done with UK publishers. In my Filofax (now we all carry Moleskine® notebooks, or type directly into our tablets or smartphones) I had a miniaturised schedule of 50 or so half-hour meetings with European and US publishers in the International Rights Centre, and several invitations to evening parties. I had already had a number of conversations about ‘hot’ books and who was buying what with publishers at the check-in at Heathrow airport and again waiting at the baggage claim at Frankfurt. Over the mindbogglingly expensive white wine at the Frankfurterhof bar late at night, thronging with publishers from all over the world, I handed over proposals for books that resulted in deals (which took place later, after the adrenalin rush of the Fair was over and everyone could make a sober decision on what they wanted to buy). During the evening I met the New York-based agent who was to become my first port of call for selling my clients’ books on my behalf in the US market (later I added two other US agents who had different tastes and close publishing relationships so I could match each project to a really enthusiastic co-agent). I felt well and truly launched by the time I flew back home. The following spring the London Book Fair was to prove just as intense and influential, and when I went on to develop a list of children’s writers, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair became another annual springtime fixture in my diary for selling rights, meeting new publishers, checking up on how existing deals were progressing, and for trailing exciting new projects that were still in the offing. Very soon I was factoring in a regular trip to New York to see publishers and co-agents, so I could get a sense of the rather different market patterns and pressures in the USA, and also talk up my clients’ books.

That experience is probably not very different for any agent, whatever the size of their business, though some will have less emphasis on the international markets. It undoubtedly helps as an agent starting out to have colleagues or contacts already in the business who can effect introductions and help build the necessary networks.

So what might a prospective writer take into account when looking for an agent to represent them?

There are many literary agencies in the UK – the membership of the Association of Authors’ Agents is around 100 – and they vary in size from one person working entirely on their own to very large organisations with many agents and support staff. Most agencies are somewhere in between, with several book agents specialising in fiction or non-fiction, children’s and adult, or more usually a mixture, and with support staff or freelance services such as royalty management and accounts. The very large agencies, such as Curtis Brown or United Agents also have agents who specialise in film and television rights, scriptwriters, directors, presenters and actors; in other words, they manage a wide range of creative talent. Jonathan Lloyd, Chairman of Curtis Brown, says, ‘Compared to almost all publishers, agencies, even the bigger ones, are tiny, but an impressive client list helps us to protect our clients and the “one-stop-shop” ability allows us to exploit clients in the fullest and most effective way.’

At the other end of the spectrum, Rachel Calder at the Sayle Literary Agency, in Cambridge, feels that small is definitely beautiful: ‘A small agency can afford to work in the medium- and long-term interest of their writers, not just the short term, because they are under less pressure from having to contribute to large overheads... they can be more flexible in reacting to changing industry circumstances, and still be acting in the writers’ best interests.’ As Sally Holloway, former publisher and an associate agent with the Felicity Bryan Agency, says, ‘Smaller agents, like smaller publishers, are much more aware of their own bottom line, and therefore will pursue that last little foreign rights deal.’

For the writer, several factors might come into the reckoning if they are thinking about who should represent them. The first is that a relationship with an agent is, ideally, for life, or at least for the longer-term career, and should not be entered into lightly on either part. Whether the agent is part of a small or larger agency is not so great a consideration as whether the writer and agent trust one another’s judgement and ability to deliver: whether they can both foresee a happy and fruitful collaboration. For some writers, being part of a list of high-profile writers – or more generally of famous ‘talent’ – may be the highest comfort factor; they might be less concerned about having the full attention of an agent with a very big list of clients than being part of a particular ‘brand’ created by that list. For others, that is less of a factor than having a hands-on agent who will work hard with the writer to get a proposal or novel into the best possible shape and then doggedly pursue the best deals in all potential markets – and that would not necessarily mean the highest advances. Of course, most agents can happily combine these qualities.

Because literary agenting is a business based not only on contacts and relationships but also personal tastes, every agency will have a slightly different ethos or feel. As Rachel Calder says, ‘A good agent is committed to their author’s work and career, has excellent industry contacts at home and abroad, wide publishing experience, confidence about their abilities and good literary judgement... what matters is how good the deals are that the agent does for those writers.’

Catherine Clarke is Managing Director at Felicity Bryan Associates.

See also...

• How to get an agent, here

• Getting hooked out of the slush pile, here

 

How to get an agent

Philippa Milnes-Smith demystifies the role of the literary agent.

So, what is a literary agent and why would I want one?

To start, see if you can answer a confident ‘yes’ to all the questions below:

• Do you have a thorough understanding of the publishing market and its dynamics?

• Do you know who are the best publishers for your book and why? Can you evaluate the pros and cons of each? Do you know the best editors within these publishers?

• Are you up to navigating the fast-changing and fast-growing world of digital publishing?

• Are you financially numerate and confident of being able to negotiate the best commercial deal available in current market conditions?

• Are you confident of being able to understand fully and negotiate a publishing or other media contract?

• Do you know the other opportunities for your work beyond publishing and how these might be exploited? Could you deal with the complexities of a franchise? Or intellectual property development?

• Do you enjoy the process of selling yourself and your work? And do you like this and business affairs so much you would rather be working on the commercial side of things than spending as much time as you can being creative?

An agent’s job is to deal with all of the above on your behalf. A good agent will do all of these well – and let you get on with the creative work. They should be able to see the long-term strategy as well as the best deal opportunities.

What else does an agent do?

Some agents will provide more of an editorial role; some may be subject specialists; all should involve themselves in marketing, promotion and social media; all should provide efficient business support and process contracts and money promptly and efficiently; all should work in their clients’ best interests; all should understand their clients’ work, needs and objectives.

I definitely do want an agent. Where do I begin?

Firstly, using this Yearbook and the internet, identify the agents to whom your book will appeal. Then really think about whether you are ready to see your book as a commercial proposition. An agent will only take someone on if they can see how and why they are going to make money for the client and themselves. An agent also knows that if he/she does not sell a client’s work, the relationship isn’t going to last long. Then do some further research online and see if there are book fairs, festivals, events or local writers group in which an agent is taking part and which you can attend. More and more agents are doing this kind of outreach work to reach new authors.

Do agents just think about deals and money?

A good agent has to think about getting the best deal for their clients. But good agents also care about the quality of work and the clients they represent. They are committed professionals. They also know that good working relationships count. This means that, if and when you get as far as talking to a prospective agent, you should ask yourself the questions: ‘Do I have a good rapport with this person? Do I understand and trust what they are saying?’ Follow your instinct – more often than not it will be right.

So how do I convince an agent that I’m worth taking on?

Make your approach professional and only approach an appropriate agent who deals with the category of book you are writing/illustrating. Check to whom you should send your work and whether there are any specific ways your submission should be made: some agents enjoy an initial exchange on Twitter and others don’t. Some now only accept electronic submissions. Send a short covering letter with your manuscript explaining what it is, why you wrote it, what the intended audience is and providing any other relevant context. Always say if and why you are uniquely placed and qualified to write a particular book. Provide your professional credentials, if any. If you are writing an autobiography, justify why it is of public interest and why your experiences set you apart. Supply a relevant short autobiographical piece. But in addition make your approach individual, personal and interesting. You want to make the agent want to read your work. And you might only get one go at making your big sales pitch to an agent.

And if I get to meet an agent?

Treat it like a job interview (although hopefully it will be more relaxed than this). Be prepared to talk about your work and yourself. An agent knows that a prepossessing personality in an author is a great asset for a publisher – they will be looking to see how well you communicate. Authors are often required to do publicity interviews, media of all kinds and live events as well as use social networking to promote themselves and their work. Use the opportunity to ask them questions about what they do, including how they work on film, television, theatre, licensing if you are thinking about how your book might work in other formats. It is also worth checking if they are a member of the Association of Authors’ Agents.

And if an agent turns my work down? Should I ask them to look again? People say you should not accept rejection.

No means no. Don’t pester. It won’t make an agent change his/her mind. Instead, move on to the next agency – the agent there might feel more positive. The agents who reject you may be wrong. But the loss is theirs.

Even if an agent turns my work down, isn’t it worth asking for help with my creative direction?

No. Agents will often provide editorial advice for clients (some go as far as running their own creative groups) but are under no obligation to do so for non-clients. Submissions are usually sorted into two piles of ‘yes, worth seeing more’ and ‘rejections’ . Creative courses and events and writers’ and artists’ groups are better options to pursue for teaching and advice (see Creative writing courses here). However, don’t let up on practising and developing your creative skills. If you want to get your work published, you will be competing with professional writers and artists – and those who have spent years working daily at their craft. There is no short cut to success.

Philippa Milnes-Smith is a literary agent and children’s and YA specialist at the agency LAW (Lucas Alexander Whitley). She was previously Managing Director of Puffin Books and is a past president of the Association of Authors’ Agents.

See also...

• Getting hooked out of the slush pile, here

 

Putting together your submission

Hellie Ogden spells out what the time-pressed agent is looking for in a book submission, and provides advice and examples of what is, and what is not, likely to help a new author secure an agent.

Any agent will tell you they get huge numbers of submissions sent to them daily – perhaps up to 100 or so each week. And it’s true, we do, but that fact shouldn’t be unduly intimidating. It always amazes me, despite the amount of information available on agents’ sites and from resources such as this Yearbook and the Writers’ & Artists’ website (www.writersandartists.co.uk), how many of these submission emails are hastily and sloppily written – full of spelling, punctuation and, in some cases, factual errors. These, not surprisingly, I will reject straightaway. The number of smart, professional cover letters that I receive is much smaller (approximately 25% of all those I see) and these will be instantly bumped up my submission pile.

The cover letter

There are some key points to remember when putting your submission together: personalise your covering letter/email, addressing it to a specific, correctly named agent, and email or post it in line with each agent’s guidelines on their site. Include a brief introduction about yourself and your book and what material you are attaching or posting, again as specified by each agency. This would typically include three sample chapters and a synopsis, which should be in two separate documents attached to your cover letter email, and not added to the body of the email itself.

Knowing the market

What will elevate your submission package, in my eyes, comes down to two things. Firstly, knowing where your book sits in the market or what genre it falls within. It may sound obvious, but having market awareness is really smart. It shows that you have done your research and, because of that, that you have an idea of what other published titles it might sit alongside on the booksellers’ shelves or in online stores. On top of falling in love with your writing, agents themselves will be strategising and formulating a pitch around how your book will be positioned in the market. Is your book YA, upmarket commercial, narrative non-fiction, literary, psychological suspense? Your agent will have a good idea of what ‘type’ of book you have written, but it’s encouraging to see an author considering these questions too, showing an awareness of the commercial side of publishing and some understanding of the market.

The elevator pitch

The second crucial element of your submission is the ‘elevator pitch’. This need only be a paragraph long, around 100–150 words, but contains the most important lines you will write in your cover email. This is your opportunity to be creative in your cover letter and to stand out positively. There are a good and bad example in the cover letters shown below. The elevator pitch is your chance to sell your hook – an agent’s eyes will flip to that part of the letter first. Take inspiration from blurbs on the back of published books in your genre; don’t rush it and don’t overcomplicate; focus on one key plot point and one unique angle.

A good and a not-so-good example

On the next page is an example of a submission letter I received a few years ago. I subsequently took on the author. I was instantly drawn to her letter: in her opening lines, she provides a clear sense of the book’s genre and highlights her relevant writing experience. She has an understanding of my client list and her elevator pitch is really strong and compelling. The book’s title isn’t perfect, but it does feel relevant to the genre. She finishes by including a brief biography and (what I always appreciate) her telephone number, so I can be in touch quickly! It’s always useful, too, to mention when you have submitted to other agents and to remain honest and transparent throughout the submission process.

As an extreme example of a bad cover letter(!), overleaf is one that I’ve cobbled together to highlight the errors a surprising number of authors make:

• It’s not directed at an individual agent, it’s arrogant in tone, and it’s packed full of spelling mistakes.

• The writer has sent in a random selection of chapters – the ones that she thinks are the best. All your chapters should be the best examples of your writing and equally strong; send the first three chapters, not a random selection.

• Although I’m a big fan of comparison titles to highlight where your book might sit, the ones included here are contradictory and confusing.

Synopsis

The synopsis can challenge even the most confident of writers, and it shouldn’t take precious time away from perfecting the manuscript itself. I would never turn down a manuscript if I loved the book but the synopsis didn’t stylistically blow me away. In fact, I won’t even open it until I’ve had a look at the manuscript itself. It’s a simple map of the book, ideally a page long, detailing the beginning, middle and end of your story. Concentrate on the key points and don’t overload it with detail.

It’s an extremely exciting stage getting your manuscript ready to go out to agents, but I can’t stress enough the importance of spending a good chunk of time on your approach. Do your research; read widely so you are aware of the market; spend time in bookshops looking at the backs of books and at titles too. Write, rewrite, and write again that pitch! Keep it tight and compelling. Spend time on your synopsis but don’t fret over it and, more importantly, try to make those opening three chapters of your work as wonderful as possible.

I often recommend to new writers that they read the Bookseller online – the publishing trade magazine (www.thebookseller.com). It’s a great resource not only for researching an agent, but also for understanding a little about the market. Remember that agents are reading constantly, so don’t nag if you don’t hear back from them immediately; do check individual agency guidelines for response times. It’s worth noting, too, that around the time of the three major book fairs each year – Bologna, held in March (children’s and YA only; www.bookfair.bolognafiere.it), London (April; www.londonbookfair.co.uk) and Frankfurt (October; https://book-fair.com/en) – agents are extremely busy, so I would suggest not submitting during the weeks running up to, during and just after the fairs.

An example of a good submission email

Dear Hellie,

I hope you don’t mind me contacting you directly. You have been highly recommended to me by an editor at Faber, who I worked with on the Faber Writing-a-Novel course a few years ago.

I would love you to be one of the first people to look at my upmarket thriller. I have thought long and hard about agents and I would absolutely love to work with you if you felt Bones was right for you. You have a wonderful, eclectic list and I hope that I might fit in well alongside your existing clients. I particularly love M.J. Arlidge's Eeny Meeny, which is just unputdownable, and the character of Helen Grace is fascinating - a detective who struggles with her demons so differently from other crime novel detectives.

My novel, Bones, tells the story of how Beth Chase's life is shattered when her 17-year-old son goes missing. When a body is pulled from the Thames outside her riverside home, Beth is convinced it is her missing son. Although it is soon evident the bones have been in the water far longer, she becomes fixated on them, her search for Louis becoming ever more frantic. As strange things begin to happen in the river house, the life of a former inhabitant emerges and Beth grows obsessed by events that unfolded there centuries ago. But are these things really happening, or are they all in Beth's mind? Can the house on the river and its secrets lead Beth to her son, or is it spinning her away from him?

In my day job I write for a number of national parenting magazines and websites, on everything from how to travel across a continent with a potty-training toddler, to persuading your monsters that Haribo Sours are not one of the major food groups. Recent titles include Families Magazine and Families Online. I also write the blog 21stCenturyMum.

I hope you don't mind but I have taken the liberty of attaching my novel, as well as a brief synopsis.

Thank you so much, and apologies for the excruciating length of this email! I look forward to hearing from you. My telephone number is XXX and I have submitted to a small number of agents.

Best wishes,

Heidi Hopeful

An example of a poor submission email

Dear Sir/Madam/Miss/Mz (that should cover you all),

I am writing to give you an exclusive first look at the future of publishing. A book that will literally change our society.

‘The Face of God is an ugly one my son’ is a fast-paced but literary thriller that follows the adventures of an innocent postie who gets sucked into the world of forensic archaeology and the dark underbelly of the Christian church, and must race across the world to stop a terrifying prophecy from coming true.

Dan Brown sold buckets of ‘The DaVinci Code’ and I plan to do the same. But where his book was based on cheap and easy hearsay, the myths and truths exposed in my book are the result of years of my own painstaking research into Christian conspiracies which I undertook during my twenty-five year career as a post office manager. I thin the book will hopefully steal away some of Mr Brown’s fans but also appeal to readers of the likes of Graham Greene and John Updike.

If you’re interested then read on – I’ve included the opening, closing and middle chapter to give you a flavour of the novel at its best places! I’ve already mapped out four possible sequals to this book - each more death defyingly thrilling than the last. I also have a backlist of more historical adventures – very Indiana Jones-esque, when men were men and women were in distress – which I’m sure you’ll love as much as ‘The Face of God is an ugly one my son.’

I look forward to a long and fruitful career with you,

Best,

N.O. Chance

Good luck! It’s the best feeling in the world discovering new talent and nurturing debut writers.

Hellie Ogden is a literary agent at Janklow & Nesbit UK Literary Agency. Hellie featured in the Bookseller Rising Stars list 2013 and was shortlisted for the Kim Scott Walwyn Prize 2014. She is looking for series crime, psychological thrillers, commercial and upmarket fiction, YA and children’s debuts and accessible, charming literary fiction. She enjoys novels with a strong sense of place, bold twists and enticing protagonists. In non-fiction Hellie is looking for unique personal stories and work that has a large social following with cross-media potential. Her clients include brand names such as M.J. Arlidge, Tilly Bagshawe and Kiran Millwood Hargrave and, as an editorially focused agent, she has a keen interest in helping to develop and nurture debut writers. Follow her on Twitter @HellieOgden.

 

How to submit a non-fiction proposal

Literary agent and author Andrew Lownie provides a tried-and-tested format for yourbook proposal, and valuable advice on how to get the attention of an agent or publisher.

Good proposals are essential. The proposal is usually the first – and only - thing publishers will read before making their offer. It will usually determine whether or not you are published, the offer that is made and how your book is published.

The principles of a good non-fiction proposal are the same whether you are submitting to an agent or to a publisher. It needs to give them a good sense of the book, your qualifications to write it, how the book fits into the market and how the book can reach that market. It should also be layered, so that the agent and/or publisher can assess the proposal quickly but obtain more detailed information as they read more of it. Remember – some 30 people in an editorial meeting may be considering your submission, one of dozens they consider each week, so it needs to be concise and it needs to be structured so that even if they only read the first page they will know what it’s about.

The format that has served me well over the last 30+ years in publishing is as follows:

1. Introductory page

A first page introducing the subject in a paragraph, followed by bullet-point revelations and a note on proposed word count and delivery date. Word counts vary but are generally around 90,000 words for a commercial book, up to no more than 140,000 words including footnotes for a serious academic book.

Publishers tend to commission for lists about 12–18 months ahead and to take about 12 months to publish from delivery of manuscript. They don’t like to put their money down for too long and they worry about competing books sneaking in, so don’t they give long delivery periods. Try to hook your publication to an anniversary and be aware that publishers tend to put fiction for heavyweight prizes, as well as their Christmas books, bestselling and gift titles, in the autumn list – which runs from July to end of the year.

The spring list, from January to July, tends to be for books which would be lost in autumn lists with the plethora of titles jostling for Christmas sales. Here are books which need room to breathe while there is less competition in bookshops and in the media. January, as a quiet month of good resolutions, tends to be for diet books and first novelists, along with travel books and commercial fiction for holiday-reading promotions.

The key in this section is to show what makes your book different and commercial. What is its Unique Selling Point or Proposition (USP)? Perhaps it’s a new hook, interpretation or information. If you can extrapolate this to one exciting strap line which the editor can use to pitch in a meeting or the salesman can push to a bookshop, then all the better.

A strong title always helps. I sold a biography of a Tudor poet as Henry VIII’s Last Victim.

2. Personal profile

A page on you and your qualifications to write the book, together with a photo. Have you an academic background, published widely in the field? Are you respected as an authority on the subject? Have you written lots of successful books before or won awards? Give details of your social media following (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter) as this shows you are focused on marketing. No need to give your shoe size or GCSE results (as one author proffered) but provide details which might be helpful for publicity, such as links to media appearances, contacts who might endorse the book, and book review extracts.

3. Comparable/competing books

Give the title, author, publisher and date of publication of between five and ten reasonably successful books published in the last 20 years by trade publishers, with a few lines on how they compare to your book. You are trying to plant subliminally in the reader’s mind that there is interest in the subject but that you have a slightly different take. This will help the publisher place the book in the market.

Be careful not to make meaningless comparisons, such as ‘J.K. Rowling meets John Le Carreé’ or resort to clichés, such as ‘Another Eat, Pray, Love’. It may seem fresh to you but will not impress jaded editors and agents. Amazon’s search engine is a good place to research not just published titles but also forthcoming ones. Remember that publishers, often run by former sales directors, want ‘the same but different’.

4. Sources

The fourth page lists primary sources – whether it’s archives or interviews – and demonstrates that there is something new and original in the book rather than simply a synthesis of the existing information.

5. Market

Finally include a note on the market and how it might be reached; who is going to buy the book, why and how can they be reached. Perhaps there are specialist organisations, websites, magazines, television or radio programmes or bloggers with a particular interest in the subject? Give details, if possible, of numbers of members, subscribers, followers, etc.

The purpose is to show you are thinking about the market, but also to give information to the publisher about publicity or marketing outlets of which they might not be aware. If you have particular publicity ideas or contacts, then mention them. Is there potential for extracts in newspapers, for audio or film, or for selling the book in other languages?

When I initially pitch to editors often that’s all I send. It’s short and should be sufficient for the editor to know if they want to see more.

6. Chapter synopses and samples

The next stage of the layered approach are the chapter synopses. I would suggest about 2025 of these, each about half a page long and written in continuous prose, numbered, and with chapter titles – as if you were paraphrasing the book. This should give a clear sense of content and structure of the book without being overwhelming.

Now come the sample chapters, perhaps on a separate Word attachment. The more you supply the better – a finished script means the publisher knows exactly what they are buying so they will be less cautious – but certainly include the first chapter. Authors sometimes choose the chapter they feel is best or most exciting, but you have to have confidence that all your chapters are good. Selecting a chapter from the middle of the book can be confusing and suggests that you don’t rate your first chapter. Indeed, the first has to be particularly good because that tends to be the chapter the purchaser will dip into first. Chapters should be between 3,000 and 5,000 words – short enough for the reader to feel they are making progress but not so short as to appear superficial.

7. Covering note

The covering note with the proposal doesn’t need to be long, but tailor it to the agent or publisher, explaining why you are approaching them by naming specific other books they have handled in the same genre. This is flattering and shows you have done your research and focused your submission.

Don’t say you are approaching lots of other agents or publishers, even if you have. No one likes to feel they are in a beauty parade and may be wasting their time assessing the book. I tend to submit in waves of about five, so I can adjust the proposal in the light of the response. Ask if you can have a response within a month and then do a gentle chase. If you don’t get a response – I’m afraid a lot of agents and publishers are rude – then move on.

Make sure you address the person properly. I have received supposedly exclusive submissions addressed to other agents and sometimes cc’d to numerous agencies, letters beginning Mr Loonie, Mrs Downie and with the firm described as a litter agency! The covering note may help to explain why you choose that particular agency or publisher. One explanation I received began: ‘Warm greetings from Australia. I am very pleased to have found you via a psychic’s recommendation to my mother a few weeks ago.’

Make sure the agent you are approaching actually handles what you are offering. Well over half my submissions are for genres which, in all the reference books and on my website, I categorically say I don’t represent. It is easy enough, now that agencies have websites, to find out the authors they handle. Look at the acknowledgements pages of books which are comparable to yours and try approaching the agent who handled these.

Important dos and don’ts

• Pitch by email rather than phone as it’s the writing which will sell you. If leaving a phone message, explain why you phoned. You are unlikely to receive a return call to Australia if you simply say, ‘Steve called.’ Agents and editors tend to communicate by email as the easiest method and I suggest you do the same. The days of manuscripts by post are over; just think of the logistical problems and expense of sharing material which isn’t in email attachments.

• Don’t submit too early. You only have one chance to impress an agent or publisher so make sure the proposal is absolutely right. It shouldn’t have grammatical or spelling mistakes, and it should be polished – consistently formatted, fully justified and ideally double-spaced in 12 point – and lucid.

• Don’t assume too much knowledge, but equally don’t become bogged down in detail.

• Don’t underline, use bold or lots of exclamation marks, or write in pencil or green ink.

• Don’t boast. Your mother may – indeed should – think the book is wonderful, but her opinion doesn’t count in the publishing world.

• Make it easy for an agent to respond. An email address is preferred to an address or phone number. If you are going to submit by post, ensure there is sufficient postage on the envelope, so the receiver isn’t surcharged. Including return postage is a courtesy, preferably in UK stamps, and the envelope should be large enough to take the returned material.

• Follow instructions. If agencies have a preferred format, then follow it and customise your proposal. That said, I still think my format is best!

• Don’t worry about being rejected. There may be lots of reasons behind it – may be the book isn’t suitable for the list, they already handle authors in the genre and don’t want more, they got out of bed the wrong side that morning, they are incompetent, etc – it doesn’t have to mean the book is rubbish. Not every idea makes a book. Perhaps it’s better as an article, short-form ebook or would suit being self-published. Don’t get upset, even, or write back to point out the error of their ways, but move on to the next person on your list.

Remember that editors and agents are busy people and will be making quick decisions. Anything that jars with them or makes them lose interest means they will move on to the next script. You don’t want that to happen – which is why the proposal is so important.

Andrew Lownie has been a Cambridge history fellow, bookseller, publisher, journalist and director of Curtis Brown. He has run his own literary agency (www.andrewlownie.co.uk) since 1988 and according to publishersmarketplace.com is the top-selling non-fiction agent in the world. He is President of the Biographers Club and an award-winning biographer in his own right. Stalin’s Englishman: Guy Burgess, the Cold War, and the Cambridge Spy Ring was published by St Martin’s Press in 2016. Follow him on Twitter @andrewlownie.

 

Getting hooked out of the slush pile

Literary agents wade through slush piles to find a manuscript that shines out and entices them to read more. Madeleine Milburn offers some helpful tips on how to get your submission noticed, read and hooked by an agent.

I started the Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency six years ago, after ten years of experience at two major UK literary agencies. I’ve always had a really positive attitude towards my ‘slush pile’ as it’s where I’ve found the majority of my authors. ‘Slush’ can conjure some unfairly pejorative images, but it also offers agents the opportunity to wade through these shadowy waters of talent to find that one treasure: a book that melts the icy heart of the literary agent. I receive up to 100 submissions a day and look at them all – but it takes something very special to make me want to read more.

Slush pile

slush pile noun informal A stack of unsolicited manuscripts that have been sent to a publishing company for consideration.

slush noun [mass noun] 1 Partially melted snow or ice. 1.1 Watery mud. 2 informal Excessive sentiment.

Don’t look for an agent too soon

The first, and most important, question when you are thinking of submitting your work to an agent is: am I ready? This might seem like a strange question but it is worth asking. Your book is finished, you’ve written a smashing covering letter, managed to condense the plot into a one-page synopsis – you’ve even written the dedication. But you would be surprised how many people submit before they are quite ‘there’.

Asking some pertinent questions will help you to see where you stand. How long ago did you finish the book? Have you come back to it with fresh eyes and read and reread it? Have you asked anyone for a second opinion? Have you self-edited your manuscript - gone through it critically to make sure the pace is right and the characters are authentic? Have you made sure that it captivates the reader from start to finish?

Read your work aloud, and go through it with a fine-tooth comb to weed out any repetition or aspects that don’t move the plot along at lightning pace. Once you get past the massive hurdle of getting your full manuscript requested, you’ll need to make the agent fall in love with the entire book. Unfortunately, so many times, I’ve loved the opening chapters of a novel only to be sorely let down by an unsuccessful outcome. This is your big chance – don’t rush it!

Find an appropriate agent

Having read, reread and polished your manuscript until it’s positively shining, you need to find an appropriate agent to submit it to. Start by looking at some agency websites to see what kind of books they represent, or what they are looking to represent. Look out for authors whose work is similar to your own. Has the agent specified that they would welcome a book in the genre you’re writing in? Is the agency actively seeking new talent? Are they launching debut authors as well as securing new deals for their existing authors? Do they actively help with their authors’ publicity efforts? Are they a member of the Associate of Authors’ Agents (AAA)? Do they appear to be aware of all the digital options and alternative ways of launching an author? This is so important in our digital age.

Explore alternative ways of getting to know about agents, such as joining a writing group, reading book trade news, following agents on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and going to literary events.

It’s often been said that your agent will become your business partner and, whilst I agree with this, I also see the relationship as a close working-friendship. Your agent should be someone you feel comfortable talking with. The very best agents are those who care deeply about their authors and their work, and who will fight for them at every stage of their writing career. If you are fortunate enough to have more than one agent offering you representation, choose the agent who is most passionate about your work.

Sell your book compellingly

Submission packages for agencies are usually of a similar format. Most require you to send a covering letter, synopsis and the first three chapters. When you feel your manuscript is as good as it can be and ready to submit, here are some key tips to consider.

The title

Use a strong and compelling title that grabs an agent’s attention. Bestselling titles resonate with a reader before they open a book, for instance The Essex Serpent, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, The Power and How to Stop Time. Don’t use a title that only makes sense to a reader once they have read the story. Think of how you, as a reader, approach books in bookshops. What grabs your attention?

The covering letter

A covering letter should include a brief introduction, for example, ‘I am currently seeking representation for my debut novel...’, followed by an intriguing sentence that will draw the reader into your story; a slightly longer, enticing blurb; a reason why you have chosen the agent you are submitting to; a short profile; and a brief sentence or two about what you will be working on next.

Pitch your book in your letter, not in your synopsis. The letter is the place to get an agent excited about your opening chapters and where you need to ‘sell’ your book. Read the back cover blurb of books in the genre you are writing in, and study why they rouse your attention and interest. Practise pitching your book in a single sentence to get to the core of your story. You need to position your book straight away and make it evident to the agent what genre you are writing in.

Imagine your book on the shelves of a bookshop. Where would it sit? Next to Lee Child or David Nicholls? I want to see that a writer has researched the market and knows that there is a readership for their work. An editor who loves your book will need to persuade the rest of the publishing team that there is a market for it. But when comparing yourself to another author, please don’t say you are ‘the next’ Dan Brown; instead express the hope that your work will appeal to ‘readers of’ Dan Brown.

Only mention achievements that are relevant to the book you are submitting. I applaud Duke of Edinburgh adventurers, dirt-road bikers, members of Save the Whale foundations and other wonderfully colourful hobbyists, but unless the activity is specifically relevant to your book, for now, please keep the information short and sweet. Use the covering letter to sell the story, not yourself.

Pitch just one book in your letter. If you have written more than one book, choose the one you’d like to launch your writing career with. If an agent loves the book you are submitting, he or she will be interested in all of your work. If you write both adult and children’s stories, pick one (for now). A prospective editor will want your next book to appeal to the same readers as your first book – and I like to do two- or even three-book deals with publishers to ensure that they are committed to developing an author’s career.

Checklist for submitting to an agent

•Make sure your book has a strong title.

•Research the market and check that the length of your novel is appropriate for the genre you are writing in.

•Print out the manuscript and check that all spelling is correct. You will be surprised at how many errors you find.

•Take care to follow the instructions that are specific to each agency. For instance, I like to see 1.5 line spacing for the opening chapters and a one-page synopsis.

•Create a strong and attention-grabbing one-line hook that captures the heart of your story and will entice people to buy and read your book.

•Write a compelling back cover blurb.

•Consider all the selling points for your book. Write a summary of the book’s appeal: be clear who the audience is and confident that they will identify with the book. Know the strengths of your manuscript and why it is unique. Think about what previous experience you have that could help promote your book.

•Tailor your profile to be relevant to your writing career. State if you are on a creative writing course, are a member of any writing clubs or societies and if you have won any writing competitions.

•If you have been published before, it is important to be upfront about it. Provide any writing history and say whether you have had an agent in the past.

•Write a synopsis that summarises your book’s plot in chronological order with the ending included.

The synopsis

A synopsis is a straightforward chronological account of the most important things that happen in a story. A lot of agents read this last, or only read it if they want to see more chapters. Don’t include every single detail; try to stick to one A4 page. If there are any twists or plot revelations, don’t keep them hidden like you would in a blurb. An agent needs spoilers to see how original your plotting is compared to what is currently on the market, so this aspect can be crucial to deciding whether your manuscript is requested.

The opening chapters

Your first three chapters are extremely important as, together with your covering letter, they are what an agent judges your work by. They need to be strong, enticing and compelling. There must be a strong sense of atmosphere, empathy or intrigue. Be wary of including irrelevant background information or context at this stage: it never grips readers’ attention when they are not yet familiar with the characters. It can also slow the pace.

Strong characters are so important. Everyone remembers characters rather than the intricate details of a plot – just think James Bond, Jack Reacher, Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter. Let your readers do the work. Create suspense and hook us in with a central character so that we are desperate to know more about them and read on.

Don’t make your chapters too long to get around the three-chapter limit. I sometimes get asked whether I’d like to see more than three chapters because theirs are relatively short and, to be similarly brief, the answer is ‘no thank you’. I don’t count a prologue as a chapter.

I personally read everything that comes into my ‘slush pile’. I represent a wide range of adult, young adult and children’s fiction, and would be delighted to look at your work.

Madeleine Milburn is founder and director of Madeleine Milburn Ltd, one of the top literary agencies in the UK. Since graduating from the University of St Andrews with a degree in English Literature and Language in 2004, Madeleine has worked for the independent publishing company Trojan Books in Berlin and the oldest literary agency in the UK where she specialised in foreign rights. Prior to having her own agency, Madeleine was the Head of Rights and a Literary Agent at the most commercial agency in the UK, handling the rights to three no.1 bestsellers. In 2011, Milburn (née Buston) was chosen as one of the book trade’s Rising Stars in the Bookseller’s first annual feature on the crop of people who will lead bookselling and publishing for decades to come, and in 2017 she was one of a small handful of agents to be included in the Bookseller’s list of the 100 most influential people in the book trade, alongside the likes of J.K. Rowling, Jamie Oliver and the Ceos of the major publishing houses. Follow her on Twitter @agentmilburn.

 

How to choose your agent

With insights on the important two-way relationship between author and agent, Jo Unwin reflects on how to find the literary agent who’s right for you, and how to ensure that the one you’ve chosen finds you.

I met a woman at a party recently and, when I told her what I did, she declared that my job was surely the best job in the world: ‘Oh, to sit about and read all day – and be paid for it!’, she swooned.

I do actually think my job is the best in the world, but not for that reason. My daily life consists of negotiating contracts, promoting my authors where I can, examining sales figures, dissecting marketing plans, meeting editors, chasing payments, editing manuscripts, submitting new work, reverting old rights, selling rights internationally, envisioning novels as films, brainstorming new directions for authors, tweeting their triumphs ... The list goes on and on, but the one thing there is very rarely time for is sitting about reading. And yet, of course, I can’t do my job if I haven’t read my clients’ work, and they often want a quick response. So I read on my journey to and from work, and in the evenings, and at weekends, and on family holidays. And it’s all work. (Reading already-published books uses a very different part of the brain!)

Now it may be hard to believe in some cases but, believe me, it is true: literary agents have lives outside work. We have dogs that need walking, and laundry that needs ironing, and food that needs cooking, and families that need attention. Some of us even have friends! And like the cinema ... and have hobbies ... Finding a dazzlingly exciting new author is what thrills us all, but it’s hard work and incredibly time-consuming finding the writer who speaks to us personally, in a voice we can hear, with a story that captivates and fascinates or delights us. Because – and please pardon the cliché – you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince.

When people submit their work to my agency they are asked to send three chapters and a synopsis, along with a covering letter telling us a bit about the work and the author. On average I get 10–15 submissions a day, let’s say 80 a week. If the average submission is 8,000 words long, then ten submissions make up the length of an average novel. I can’t read ten novels a week, on top of my existing authors’ work. I just can’t – not least because you can’t speed read when you’re panning for gold.

But that’s where you – the author – come in. You know when you read something that you adore, and you know exactly who to give it to. At Christmas, you’re not going to give a book on the history of the reef knot to your 14-year-old electronic-dance-loving nephew, and you know not to give your granny a book by a vlogger about how to colour in their ‘Scouse Brow’.

Agents are human too; they have their own likes and dislikes, and it’s often nothing to do with the market. I’m not likely to take on either the reef knot book or the vlogger book, and I might well put them on my Reject pile after only a cursory glance. But here’s the point: those books do (probably) exist, and there are agents who (possibly) would leap on them. There’s no point approaching an agent who specialises in military history with your wonderful YA fantasy, however good it is.

If you’re going to be a professional writer you’re going to have to harden your hide; it’s a career path characterised by multiple rejections. But you really can minimise the number of rejections you receive by making sure you target the right agent.

So how are you going to do that? It starts, of course, by writing the best book you possibly can; and then writing it again and again until it’s the best it could ever be. Enlist the help of a friend (find one who reads A LOT, and who doesn’t owe you money) to read your manuscript and give you notes. Don’t be offended if they don’t understand what you’re trying to do. If you trust them, then find it in yourself to acknowledge that you probably haven’t communicated your intentions clearly enough. Be strict with yourself and, when you honestly know that you’ve done the very best job you re capable of, then - and only then – consider sending it out to agents. Never use an agent as a sounding board.

But before you send it out, be sure that you know what it is you’ve written. I fully understand how hard it is to distil something that’s 100,000 words long into a 150-word pitch, but it really helps. And if you can clearly convey the essence of your work in a few sentences, then you can start to get a feel for how it might look in a bookshop. What shelf would it sit on? Which other authors might you be compared to? In a ‘three-for-two’ offer, which other two books might join yours in the shopping basket?

Then think: who represents the authors of those books? Spend a day in the library, and flick to the acknowledgements pages at the back of all these relevant books. Make a list of names. And then Google them. Do you like the look of them? Do you like the cut of their jib? Do they represent so many grand and famous authors that you might never get a look-in? Do they have an assistant who just has a few clients on her list but is clearly being mentored and encouraged to take on her own clients? And what else does this agent and the agency offer? How will they set about selling your work in translation? Are some of their authors bestsellers? Do they have a book-to-film department? How personally involved do you sense the agent would be? There is an enormous amount of material online, and hours spent sleuthing will repay you by minimising the number of rejections you receive.

Now have a think about what you personally want. Creativity is a deeply personal business, so do you want someone you can be very open with? Or do you have friends for that, and instead want an agent who will scrutinise you, your work and your deal in a cool and rigorous fashion? Do you want to be able to phone and talk about your work morning, noon, and night? Do you want a one-to-one personal relationship, or the sense of a large team of people who are all working on your behalf? The best agents will offer all of the above and more, but there is no Literary Agent qualification, and we have all developed our skills in different ways. You need to find the agent who’s right for you.

Remember that you are employing us, not the other way round. So, before you start sending your submission out, think hard about what you want from this very important relationship. It’s probably wise to send it out in batches of four to six at a time and, as others will stress in this Yearbook, do submit it in the way that the agent specifies. If they like reading in Times New Roman, it’ll take you no time to change the font of your submission, and it could make all the difference to the agent’s tired old eyes.

When someone offers you representation, don’t leap at it. You wouldn’t employ the first electrician who said they could rewire your kitchen. You ’d check them out, get references, etc. Do the same with literary agents. Tell the other agents you’ve approached that you have interest, and say you’d like to hear back within a week to ten days. Then, if at all possible, arrange to meet any interested agents, ideally at their offices. Get a sense of who will be answering the phone to you, what the working atmosphere in the office is like. Would you like to sit next to this agent at a drunken awards ceremony? Would they be kind if they had to deliver bad news?

At the point of choosing an agent remember you hold the reins. Excitable agents will try to pressure you into signing with them, and you may suddenly feel things are going very fast. Take deep breaths, and keep cool. If it’s taken you three years to write this book, you can afford to wait a month or two to be sure that you’re employing the very best agent for you.

Remember, it’s not just about the one book you’ve written. You’re looking for a long and fruitful career as an author, so take time to find the best possible ally and champion. It might take a while, but once you’ve found the right person, it may prove to be one of the most important relationships of your life.

Jo Unwin started her career as an actress and writer, before her love of books drew her to work in a bookshop and then to join Conville and Walsh Literary Agency in 2008. She was shortlisted for the Bookseller Industry Awards Literary Agent of the Year in 2010, and chosen as one of the Bookseller’s Rising Stars in 2011. Jo now runs her own agency, Jo Unwin Literary Agency. For more information see www.jounwin.co.uk. Follow her on Twitter @jounwin.

See also...

• How literary agents work, here

• How to get an agent, here

• Getting hooked out of the slush pile, here

 

Literary agents UK and Ireland

The Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook, along with the Association of Authors’ Agents and the Society of Authors, takes a dim view of any literary agent who asks potential clients for a fee prior to a manuscript being placed with a publisher. We advise you to treat any such request with caution and to let us know if that agent appears in the listings below. However, agents may charge additional costs later in the process but these should only arise once a book has been accepted by a publisher and the author is earning an income. We urge authors to make the distinction between upfront and additional charges. Authors should also check agents’ websites before making an enquiry and should familiarise themselves with submission guidelines.

*Member of the Association of Authors’ Agents

A for Authors Ltd

73 Hurlingham Road, Bexleyheath, Kent DA7 5PE

tel (01322) 463479

email enquiries@aforauthors.co.uk

website www.aforauthors.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/aforauthors

Twitter @aforauthors

Directors Annette Crossland, Bill Goodall

Adult fiction, literary and commercial/mass market, including (but not exclusively) crime/thriller and women’s/commercial. Home 15%, overseas/translation 20%, film/TV 15% (home)/20% (overseas). No sci-fi/horror, short stories, poetry or children’s books. Send synopsis plus first three chapters or 50pp, whichever is shorter, by email as Word attachments. No postal submissions. No reading fee.

Sheila Ableman Literary Agency*

36 Duncan House, 7–9 Fellows Road, London NW3 3LZ

tel 020-7586 2339

email sheila@sheilaableman.co.uk

website www.sheilaableman.com

Contact Sheila Ableman

Non-fiction including history, science, biography, autobiography (home 15%, USA/translation 20%). Not taking any new clients at present. No reading fee. Founded 1999.

The Agency (London) Ltd*

24 Pottery Lane, London W11 4LZ

tel 020-7727 1346

website www.theagency.co.uk

Children’s Book Agent Hilary Delamere

Represents picture books, including novelty books, fiction for all ages including teenage fiction and series fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%). Works in conjunction with overseas agents. Submission guidelines on website. No reading fee. The Agency also represents screenwriters, directors, playwrights and composers; for more information please check the website. Founded 1995.

Aitken Alexander Associates Ltd*

291 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8QJ

tel 020-7373 8672

email reception@aitkenalexander.co.uk

website www.aitkenalexander.co.uk

Twitter @AitkenAlexander

Agents Clare Alexander, Lesley Thorne, Lisa Baker (Directors), Chris Wellbelove, Niki Chang; Children’s and YA fiction: Gillie Russell; Film/TV/stage rights: Lesley Thorne, Leah Middleton. Associate agent: Matthew Hamilton.

Fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, USA 20%, translation 20%, film/TV 15%). No plays or scripts. Email preliminary letter with half-page synopsis and first 30pp of sample material to submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk. No reading fee.

Clients include Ayobami Adebayo, Jo Baker, Pat Barker, Tom Bullough, Jung Chang, Clare Clark, John Cornwell, John Crace, Sarah Dunant, Diana Evans, Sebastian Faulks, Helen Fielding, Jeremy Gavron, Germaine Greer, Julia Gregson, Mark Haddon, Mohammed Hanif, Harriet Harman, Philip Hoare, Peter Hook, Armando Iannucci, Virginia Ironside, Oliver James, Liz Jensen, Alan Johnson, Dom Joly, Jonathan Lee, Mark Lowery, Paul Mason, Charles Moore, Lucy Moore, Caroline Moorehead, William Nicholson, Julianne Pachico, Harry Parker, Chris Petit, Max Porter, Jonathan Raban, Piers Paul Reid, P.Z. Reizin, Paul Rees, Jennie Rooney, Lyndal Roper, James Scudamore, Anne Sebba, Nicholas Shakespeare, Gillian Slovo, Brix Smith, Francis Spufford, Nicholas Stargardt, Rory Stewart, Bilal Tanweer, Colin Thubron, Robert Twigger, Amanda Vickery, Penny Vincenzi, Elise Valmorbida, Willy Vlautin, Alexander Watson, Paul Willetts, Sara Wheeler, A.N. Wilson, Andrew Wilson, Robert Wilson, Adam Zamoyski. In association with Anna Stein: Anuk Arudpragasam, Laird Hunt, Maria Semple.

Estates – John Betjeman, Gordon Burn, Bruce Chatwin, Paul Gallico, Ian Hamilton, Ngaio Marsh, Mary Norton, Louise Rennison. UK only: Harper Lee, J.D. Salinger. Founded 1977.

AMP Literary

76 Nowell Road, London SW13 9BS

email anna@ampliterary.co.uk

email submissions@ampliterary.co.uk

Founder Anna Pallai

AMO specialises in commercial non-fiction with a particular interest in bold female voices (15% UK, 20% USA). From journalists and historians to comedians and bloggers, the agency is searching for a fresh generation of unique writers. With strong connections across various media platforms, from digital to TV, AMP develops ideas beyond print to maximise exposure. Submissions to be sent via email, to include synopsis and at least three chapters. No reading fee.

Authors include Natasha Devon, Terri White, Anita Mangan, Linda Papadopolous.

The Ampersand Agency Ltd*

Ryman’s Cottages, Little Tew, Oxon OX7 4JJ

tel (01608) 683677/683898

email info@theampersandagency.co.uk

website www.theampersandagency.co.uk

Contacts Peter Buckman, Jamie Cowen, Anne-Marie Doulton

Literary and commercial fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, USA 15–20%, translation 20%). No reading fee. Writers should consult the website for more information and submission guidelines.

Clients include Quentin Bates, Helen Black, Sharon Bolton, Druin Burch, Alan R. Clark, Ben Crane, J.D. Davies, Catherine Deveney, Jamie Doward, James Fahy, Jay Forman, Paul Goodwin, Cora Harrison, Mark Hill, Jin Yong, Beverley Jones, Melissa Josias, Mark Latham, Rachel Lynch, John Matthews, Sarah McGurk, Leo Murray, Bolaji Odofin, Eleanor Porter, Matthew Pritchard, Rebecca Roache, Mark Roberts, Joanne Sefton, Adrian Selby, Paul Robert Smith, Richard Smyth, Ivo Stourton, Vikas Swarup, Michael Walters, Stephen Williams, Phillip Window and the estates of Georgette Heyer, Angela Thirkell, Winifred Foley and John James. Founded 2003.

Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency*

Estelle House, 11 Eustace Road, London SW6 1JB

tel 020-7386 2674

website www.darleyanderson.com

website www.darleyandersonblog.com

Twitter @DA_Agency

Agents Adult fiction: Darley Anderson (international thrillers, crime, tear-jerking love stories and nonfiction), Camilla Wray (crime, thrillers, suspense, general fiction), Sheila David (TV and film rights), Tanera Simons (women’s fiction, accessible literary/reading group fiction). Children’s fiction: Clare Wallace (middle grade, YA, picture books and illustrators), Lydia Silver (middle grade), Pippa Archibald (Assistant to Darley Anderson and nonfiction). Contacts Celine Kelly (Editorial), Rosanna Bellingham (Financial Controller), Mary Darby (Head of Rights), Emma Winter (Rights Executive), Kristina Egan (Rights Assistant)

All commercial fiction and non-fiction (home 15%,USA/translation 20%, film/TV/radio 20%). No poetry, academic books, scripts or screenplays. Send covering letter, short synopsis and first three chapters. Return postage/sae essential for reply. Overseas associates APA Talent & Literary Agency (LA/Hollywood) and leading foreign agents in selected territories. For the children’s agency, visit www.darleyandersonchildrens.com.

Special interests (fiction): all types of thrillers, crime and mystery. All types of American and Irish novels. Comic fiction. All types of popular women’s fiction and accessible literary/reading group fiction.

Special interests (non-fiction): autobiographies, biographies, sports books, ‘true-life’ women in jeopardy, revelatory history and science, popular psychology, self improvement, diet, beauty, health, fashion, animals, humour/cartoon, cookery, gardening, inspirational, religious.

Clients include Samantha Alexander, Tom Bale, Rosie Blake, Constance Briscoe, Rachel Burton, James Carol, Chris Carter, Lee Child, Martina Cole, John Connolly, Gloria Cook, Sophie Cousens, A.J. Cross, Jason Dean, Margaret Dickinson, Clare Dowling, Kerry Fisher, Jack Ford, Tana French, Sandie Jones, Joan Jonker (estate), Emma Kavanagh, T.M. Logan, Imran Mahmood, Cesca Major, Gillian McAllister, Annie Murray, Beth O’Leary, Abi Oliver, B.A. Paris, Phaedra Patrick, Adrian Plass, Jo Platt, Hazel Prior, David Rhodes, Jennifer Ridyard, Jacqui Rose, Rebecca Shaw (estate), Sean Slater, KL Slater, Catherine Steadman, Erik Storey, G.X. Todd, Samantha Tonge, Tim Weaver, Kimberley Willis, David Wishart.

ANDLYN

tel 020-3290 5638

email submissions@andlyn.co.uk

website www.andlyn.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/andlynlit

Twitter @andlynlit

Founder and Agent Davinia Andrew-Lynch

Represents authors and illustrators of picture books, middle grade, YA and crossover fiction. Particularly looking for storytellers whose material has cross-media/platform potential. All genres are welcome; actively looking for new clients. Commission: 15% home and audio, 20% USA, foreign/translation, film/TV, multi-platform and online media rights. No reading fee. See website for submission guidelines. Founded 2015.

Anubis Literary Agency

7 Birdhaven Close, Lighthorne, Warwick CV35 0BE

tel (01926) 642588

Contact Steve Calcutt

Genre fiction: science fiction, fantasy and horror (home 15%, USA/translation 20%). No other material considered. Send 50pp with a one-page synopsis (sae essential). No reading fee. No telephone calls. Works with The Marsh Agency Ltd on translation rights. Founded 1994.

Artellus Ltd*

30 Dorset House, Gloucester Place, London NW1 5AD

tel 020-7935 6972

email artellussubmissions@gmail.com

website www.artellusltd.co.uk

Twitter @Artellus

Contacts Leslie Gardner (Agent and Director), Gabriele Pantucci (Agent and Chairman), Darryl Samaraweera (Agent and Company Secretary), Jon Curzon (Associate Agent), Angus MacDonald (Associate Agent), Raffaello Pantucci (Consultant)

International literary agency representing writers in all fields and genres (15% UK, 20% direct sales to USA, 15% rest of world). Authors include historians, scientists, economists, investigative journalists and writers on culture, fashion and food. Handles a wide range of fiction, from literary to crime, fantasy and sci-fi. Also interested in fine writers in translation. Submissions in the form of a covering note attaching the first three chapters and synopsis. Submissions also accepted by post. Founded 1986.

Diane Banks Associates Ltd*

email submissions@dianebanks.co.uk

website www.dianebanks.co.uk

Twitter @DianeBanksAssoc

Commercial fiction, non-fiction and children’s books (home 15%, overseas and rights in other media 20%). Fiction: women’s, crime, thrillers, literary fiction with a strong storyline, young adult, middle grade, children’s. Non-fiction: politics, current affairs, memoir, real-life stories, celebrity, autobiography, biography, business, popular history, popular science, self-help, popular psychology, fashion, health & beauty, children’s. No poetry, academic books, plays, scripts or short stories. Send brief cv, synopsis and first three chapters as Word or Open Document attachments. Aims to give initial response within two weeks. No reading fee.

Authors include Brian Cox, Jon Butterworth, Peter Bazalgette, Camilla Cavendish, Damian Collins, Carla Valentine, Christopher Harding, Marisa Merico, Shelina Janmohamed, Dani Atkins, Kate Thompson, Rachel Wells and Daisy Styles. Founded 2006.

Tassy Barham Associates

231 Westbourne Park Road, London W11 1EB

tel 020-7229 8667

email tassy@tassybarham.com

Proprietor Tassy Barham

Specialises in representing European and American authors, agents and publishers in Brazil and Portugal, as well as the worldwide representation of Brazilian authors. Founded 1999.

Kate Barker Literary Agency

tel 020-7688 1638

email kate@katebarker.net

website www.katebarker.net

Commercial and literary fiction for adults including crime, thriller, suspense, women’s fiction, historical and reading group fiction. Non-fiction including narrative non-fiction, popular psychology and science, smart thinking, business, history, memoir, biography, lifestyle and wellbeing. Commission rates: 15% home, 20% overseas, 15%–20% TV/film by agreement. Does not represent science fiction or fantasy. Submissions via the website. No reading fee.

Bath Literary Agency

5 Gloucester Road, Bath BA1 7BH

tel (01225) 317894

email submissions@bathliteraryagency.com

website www.bathliteraryagency.com

Twitter @BathLitAgency

Contact Gill McLay

Specialist in fiction for children and young adults. Also accepts submissions in picture books, nonfiction and author illustrators. For full submission details, refer to the website. No reading fee. Founded 2011.

The Bell Lomax Moreton Agency*

Suite C, 131 Queensway, Petts Wood, Kent BR5 1DG

tel 020-7930 4447

email agency@bell-lomax.co.uk

website www.belllomaxmoreton.co.uk

Twitter @BLM_Agency

Executives Eddie Bell, Pat Lomax, Paul Moreton, June Bell, Lauren Gardner, Sarah McDonnell, Jo Bell

Will consider most fiction, non-fiction and children’s (including picture books, middle grade and young adult) book proposals. Does not represent poetry, short stories or novellas, education textbooks, film scripts or stage plays, or science fiction. Submission guidelines on website. Physical submissions should be accompanied by an sae for return and an email address for correspondence. Founded 2000.

Lorella Belli Literary Agency Ltd (LBLA)*

54 Hartford House, 35 Tavistock Crescent, London W11 1AY

tel 020-7727 8547

email info@lorellabelliagency.com

website www.lorellabelliagency.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/LorellaBelliLiteraryAgency

Twitter @lblaUK

Proprietor Lorella Belli

Fiction and general non-fiction (home 15%, overseas/dramatic 20%). Particularly interested in first-time writers, books which have international appeal, multicultural writing, books on Italy, successful self-published authors, crime thrillers, psychological suspense, reading group fiction, YA fiction. No children’s, science fiction, fantasy, academic, poetry, original scripts. No reading fee. May suggest revision. Send a query email about your work before submitting it. Does not return materials unless the correct sae postage is provided.

Enclose a stamped acknowledgement card with submission if receipt acknowledegment is required. Works with dramatic and overseas associates; represents American and foreign literary agencies in the UK. Sells translation rights on behalf of British publishers, literary agents and independent authors.

Clients include Taylor Adams, Ingrid Alexander, Shahena Ali, Jennifer Armentrout/J. Lynn, Bruno Bara, Gabrielle Bernstein, Michael Bess, Bloodhound Books, Zoë Brân, Lars Brownworth, Theresa Cheung, Misty Copeland, Sally Corner, Crux Publishing, D.B. Nielsen, Renita D’Silva, Karen Dionne, Ruth Dugdall, Ker Dukey, Val Emmich, Erica Ferencik, Marcus Ferrar, Emily Giffin, ‘Girl on the Net’, Louise Greenberg Books, Kent Greenfield, Jessica Huie, Sophie Jackson, Joffe Books, Ed Kritzler, Dinah Lee Kung, Christopher Lascelles, Diane and Bernie Lierow, William Little, Angela Marsons, Carol Mason, Elisabetta Minervini, Nisha Minhas, Alanna Mitchell, Rick Mofina, Sandro Monetti, Kirsty Moseley, Angela Murrills, Rhiannon Navin, Annalisa Coppolaro-Nowell, Jenni Ogden, Jennifer Ouellette, Panoma Press, Sergio Pistoi, Gerald Posner, Patricia Posner, Robert J. Ray, Burt Reynolds, Sheila Roberts, Ethel Rohan, Jonathan Sacks, Sole Books, Rupert Steiner, Katie Stephens, Justine Trueman, Victoria Van Tiem, P.P. Wong, Carol Wyer. Founded 2002.

The Bent Agency*

21 Melliss Avenue, Richmond TW9 4BQ

email info@thebentagency.com

website www.thebentagency.com

Agents Molly Ker Hawn, Nicola Barr, Gemma Cooper, Sarah Manning (UK); Jenny Bent, Heather Flaherty, Louise Fury, Rachel Horowitz (US)

Represents authors of fiction and non-fiction for adults, children and teenagers. Offices in the UK and US. Unsolicited submissions welcome by email only: query and first ten pages pasted into body of email. See complete guidelines at www.thebentagency.com/submission.php. Founded 2009.

Berlin Associates Ltd

7 Tyers Gate, London SE1 3HX

tel 020-7836 1112

email submissions@berlinassociates.com

website www.berlinassociates.com

Twitter @berlinassocs

Agents Marc Berlin, Stacy Browne, Matt Connell, Alexandra Cory, Rachel Daniels, Julia Mills, Laura Reeve, Fiona Williams, Emily Wraith, Julia Wyatt

A boutique agency representing writers, directors, producers, designers, composers and below-the-line talent across theatre, film, TV, radio and new media. No prose/fiction. The majority of new clients are taken on through recommendation or invitation, however, if you would like your work to be considered for representation, email a cv along with a brief outline of your experience and the work you would like to submit for consideration.

The Blair Partnership*

PO Box 7828, London W1A 4GE

tel 020-7504 2520

email info@theblairpartnership.com

email submissions@theblairpartnership.com

website www.theblairpartnership.com

Founding Partner and Agent Neil Blair, Agents Josephine Hayes, Amy Fitzgerald

Considers all genres of fiction and non-fiction for adults, young readers and children. Will consider unsolicited MSS. Email a covering letter, a one-page synopsis and the first three chapters to: submissions@theblairpartnership.com.

Represents a range of people internationally from debut and established writers to broader talent across business, politics, sport and lifestyle. Range of work spans fiction, non-fiction, digital, TV and film production.

Clients include Bana Alabed, Claire Barker, Michael Byrne, Class of 92, Cheryl Tweedy, Emma Farrarons, Bernadette Fisers, Henry Fraser, Deborah Frances-White, Robert Galbraith, Keaton Henson, Sir Chris Hoy, Inbali Iserles, Jennifer Kincheloe, Frank Lampard, Kieran Larwood, Pearl Lowe, Niki Mackay, Jo Malone, Sophie Nicholls, Justine Pattison, Lord Mark Price, Zoom Rockman, Robert Scragg, Svava Sigbertsdottir, J.K. Rowling, Pete Townshend and Brian Wood.

Blake Friedmann Literary, TV & Film Agency Ltd*

First Floor, Selous House, 5–12 Mandela Street, London NW1 0DU

tel 020-7387 0842

email info@blakefriedmann.co.uk

website www.blakefriedmann.co.uk

Agents Books: Isobel Dixon, Juliet Pickering, Tom

Witcomb, Hattie Grunewald, Samuel Hodder; Film/TV: Julian Friedmann, Conrad Williams.

Full-length MSS. Fiction: crime, thrillers, women’s fiction, literary fiction and YA; a broad range of non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%). Media Department handles film and TV rights, and represents scriptwriters, playwrights and directors. Preliminary letter, synopsis and first three chapters preferred via email. No reading fee. See website for full submission guidelines.

Authors include Graeme Macrae Burnet, Edward Carey, Elizabeth Chadwick, Barbara Erskine, Paul Finch, Janice Galloway, David Gilman, Ann Granger, Kerry Hudson, Peter James, Manu Joseph, Lucy Mangan, Zakes Mda, Deon Meyer, Marlene van Niekerk, Lawrence Norfolk, Joseph O’Connor, Sheila O’Flanagan, Monique Roffey, Julian Stockwin, Ivan Vladislavić.

Scriptwriters, playwrights and directors include Andy Briggs, Steve Hawes, Tim John, Tom Kinninmont, Greg Latter, Stuart Orme, Kaite O’Reilly, Roger Spottiswoode, Martin Thorisson and Stuart Urban. Founded 1977.

The Book Bureau Literary Agency

7 Duncairn Avenue, Bray, Co. Wicklow A98 R293, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)12 764996

email thebookbureau@oceanfree.net

email thebookbureau123@gmail.com

Managing Director Geraldine Nichol

Full-length MSS (home 15%, USA/translation 20%). Fiction preferred – thrillers, crime, Irish novels, literary fiction, women’s commercial novels and general fiction. No horror, science fiction, children’s or poetry. Strong editorial support. No reading fee. Preliminary letter, synopsis and three sample chapters (single line spacing); return postage required. Email preferred. Works with agents overseas.

BookBlast® Ltd

PO Box 20184, London W10 5AU

tel 020-8968 3089

email gen@bookblast.com

website www.bookblast.com

website www.bookblast.com/blog

Facebook www.facebook.com/bookblastofficial/

Twitter @bookblast

Full-length MSS (home 15%, overseas 20%) Literary and general adult fiction and non-fiction (memoir, travel, popular culture, multicultural writing only). No reading fee. Also offers editorial and translation services. Represents the literary estates of Prof. Elton Mayo, Gael Elton Mayo and Lesley Blanch. Not currently accepting new clients. Promotes cultural diversity and supports the independent publishing sector via The BookBlast® Diary. Founded 1997.

Alan Brodie Representation

Paddock Suite, The Courtyard, 55 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HA

tel 020-7253 6226

email abr@alanbrodie.com

website www.alanbrodie.com

Twitter @abragency

Managing Director Alan Brodie, Agents Victoria Williams, Kara Fitzpatrick

Specialises in stage plays, literary estates, radio, TV and film (home 10%, overseas 15%). No prose, fiction or general MSS. Represented in all major countries. No unsolicited scripts; recommendation from known professional required. Founded 1996.

Brotherstone Creative Management

Mortimer House, 37–41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH

tel 020-7502 5037

email info@bcm-agency.com

email submissions@bcm-agency.com

website www.bcm-agency.com

Contact Charlie Brotherstone

Represents an eclectic list of authors, from academics, musicians and cookery writers through to novelists of commercial and literary fiction. Commission rates: UK 15%, US direct 15% (20% if sub-agented); dramatic: 15% direct (20% if sub-agented); translation 20%; TV 15%. The agency guides each client through every part of the publishing process and draws upon a wide contact network to develop their careers across all media. Submissions by email: for fiction, include the first three chapters or 50 pages, a one- to two-page synopsis and a short covering letter; for non-fiction, send a detailed outline with a sample chapter and a covering note. Does not handle scripts for theatre, film or television.

Clients include Brett Anderson, Mel B, A.A. Gill, Kirstin Innes, Nuno Mendes, George The Poet, Anna Stothard. Founded 2017.

Jenny Brown Associates*

31 Marchmont Road, Edinburgh EH9 1HU

tel 0131 229 5334

email info@jennybrownassociates.com

website www.jennybrownassociates.com

Contact Jenny Brown, Lucy Juckes

Literary fiction, crime writing and writing for children; non-fiction: literary memoir, nature, sport, music, popular culture; (home 12.5%, overseas/translation 20%). No poetry, science fiction, fantasy or academic. No reading fee. A small agency that only reads submissions at certain points in the year; check website before sending work.

Clients include Lin Anderson, Sam Angus, Christopher Edge, Gavin Francis, Alex Gray, Joanna Hickson, Kathleen Jamie, Sara Maitland, Jonathan Meres, Ann O’Loughlin. Founded 2002.

Felicity Bryan Associates*

2A North Parade, Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6LX

tel (01865) 513816

email agency@felicitybryan.com

website www.felicitybryan.com

Fiction and general non-fiction with emphasis on history, biography, science and current affairs (home 15%, overseas 20%). No scripts for TV, radio or theatre, no crafts, how-to, science fiction, light romance or poetry.

Clients include Carlos Acosta, Karen Armstrong, Mary Berry, Simon Blackburn, Rhidian Brook, Archie Brown, Marcus Chown, Artemis Cooper, Louis de Bernières, Edmund de Waal, John Dickie, Reni Eddo-Lodge, Rebecca Fleet, Peter Frankopan, David Goldblatt, A.C. Grayling, Tim Harford, Peter Heather, Anna Hope, Gill Hornby, Sadie Jones, Liza Klaussmann, Simon Lelic, Diarmaid MacCulloch, James Naughtie, John Julius Norwich, Iain Pears, Rosamunde Pilcher, Sue Prideaux, Dan Richards, Matt Ridley, Eugene Rogan, Meg Rosoff, Roy Strong, Adrian Tinniswood, Martin Walker, Anna Whitelock, Lucy Worsley.

Juliet Burton Literary Agency*

2 Clifton Avenue, London W12 9DR

tel 020-8762 0148

email juliet@julietburton.com

Contact Juliet Burton

Handles fiction and some non-fiction. Special interests include crime and women’s fiction. No science fiction/fantasy, children’s, short stories, plays, film scripts, articles, poetry or academic material. Commission: home 15%, USA & translation 20%. Approach in writing in the first instance with synopsis and two sample chapters and sae. No reading fee.

Clients include Rosie Archer, Kay Brellend, Barbara Cleverly, Marjorie Eccles, Edward Enfield, Anthea Fraser, June Hampson, Veronica Heley, Peter Helton, Mick Herron, Maureen Lee, Priscilla Masters, Gwen Moffat, Barbara Nadel, Sheila Norton and Pam Weaver. Founded 1999.

C&W*

(previously Conville & Walsh) Haymarket House, 28–29 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4SP

tel 020-7393 4200

website www.cwagency.co.uk

Directors Clare Conville, Jake Smith-Bosanquet

Handles all genres of fiction, non-fiction and children’s worldwide (home 15%, US and translation 20%). Submissions welcome: first three chapters, cover letter, synopsis by email. No reading fee. Part of the Curtis Brown Group of Companies; simultaneous submission accepted.

Fiction clients include notable prize winners such as D.B.C. Pierre, Nathan Filer, Matt Haig, Ali Shaw, M.L. Stedman, Sara Baume, Kevin Barry, Catherine O’Flynn, Andrew Michael Hurley and Simon Wroe. Other novelists include Colin Barrett, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Joanna Cannon, Tim Clare, Daniel Cole, Fiona Cummins, Esther Freud, Kirsty Gunn, Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, Rachel Joyce, Stephen Kelman, Jess Kidd, John Niven, S.J. Watson, Eley Williams and Isabel Wolff.

Non-fiction clients include Tom Burgis, Dodie Clark, Misha Glenny, Ramita Navai, Ben Rawlence, Tali Sharot, Tim Spector, Liam Vaughan, Christie Watson, Zoe Williams, Ben Wilson and Hannah Witton. Artists represented for books include the estate of Francis Bacon and Harland Miller. Children’s and young adult list includes John Burningham, Damian Dibben, Steve Voake, Paula Rawsthorne, Katie Davies, Rebecca James, P.J. Lynch, Piers Torday and the estate of Astrid Lindgren. Founded 2000.

Georgina Capel Associates Ltd*

29 Wardour Street, London W1D 6PS

tel 020-7734 2414

email firstname@georginacapel.com

website www.georginacapel.com

Agents Georgina Capel, Rachel Conway, Philippa Brewster

Literary and commercial fiction, history, biography; film and TV (home/overseas 15%). No reading fee; see website for submission guidelines.

Clients include Simon Barnes, Julia Copus, Flora Fraser, John Gimlette, Adrian Goldsworthy, Andrew Greig, Philip Hoare, Tristram Hunt, Dan Jones, Tobias Jones, Leanda de Lisle, Adam Nicolson, Louise O’Neill, Chibundu Onuzo, Stella Rimington, Andrew Roberts, Ian Sansom, Simon Sebag Montefiore, Diana Souhami, Elizabeth Speller, Lesley Thomson, Fay Weldon. Founded 1999.

Casarotto Ramsay & Associates Ltd

Waverley House, 7–12 Noel Street, London W1F 8GQ

tel 020-7287 4450

email info@casarotto.co.uk

website www.casarotto.co.uk

Directors Jenne Casarotto, Giorgio Casarotto, Mel Kenyon, Jodi Shields, Rachel Holroyd, Ian Devlin

MSS – theatre, films, TV, sound broadcasting only (10%). Works in conjunction with agents in USA and other foreign countries. Preliminary letter essential.

Caskie Mushens*

email juliet@caskiemushens.com

email robert@caskiemushens.com

website www.caskiemushens.com

Twitter @mushenska

Twitter @rcaskie1

Contacts Robert Caskie, Juliet Mushens

Represents all genres except picture books, children’s and erotica (home 15%, overseas 20%). Submission guidelines: For Juliet, email with the subject line QUERY, the cover letter in the body of the email, and a synopsis and the first three chapters or approximately first 50pp as attachments. Juliet responds to every submission within 6 to 8 weeks of receipt of email. Does not accept non-fiction. For Robert, email with cover letter, a synopsis and the first three chapters. For non-fiction, please send him a cover letter, introduction, chapter breakdown and sample chapter. Do not submit to both Juliet and Robert.

The Catchpole Agency

53 Cranham Street, Oxford OX2 6DD

tel 07789 588070

email james@thecatchpoleagency.co.uk

website www.thecatchpoleagency.co.uk

Proprietor James Catchpole

Agents for authors and illustrators of children’s books from picture books through to young adult novels. Commission from 12.5% to 15%. See website for contact and submissions details. Founded 1996.

Chapman & Vincent*

21 Ellis Street, London SW1X 9AL

email chapmanvincent@hotmail.co.uk

Directors Jennifer Chapman, Gilly Vincent

A specialist agency acting mainly as a packager. Can only consider non-fiction texts suitable for major illustration in heritage, gardening and cookery areas. Not currently seeking clients but will reply to all sensible approaches by email without attachments. No postal submissions. No reading fee. Works with Elaine Markson in the US. Commission: home 15%/overseas 20%.

Clients include George Carter, Leslie Geddes-Brown, Lucinda Lambton and Eve Pollard.

Teresa Chris Literary Agency Ltd*

43 Musard Road, London W6 8NR

tel 020-7386 0633

email teresachris@litagency.co.uk

website www.teresachrisliteraryagency.co.uk

Director Teresa Chris

All fiction, especially crime, women’s commercial, general and literary fiction. No science fiction, horror, fantasy, short stories, poetry, academic books (home 10%, overseas 20%). No reading fee. Send introductory letter describing work, first three chapters and sae. Representation in all overseas territories. Founded 1988.

Anne Clark Literary Agency

email submissions@anneclarkliteraryagency.co.uk

website www.anneclarkliteraryagency.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/anneclarkliterary

Twitter @AnneClarkLit

Contact Anne Clark

Specialist in fiction, picture books and non-fiction for children and young adults (home 15%, overseas 20%). Submissions by email only. See website for submission guidelines. No reading fee. Founded 2012.

Mary Clemmey Literary Agency*

6 Dunollie Road, London NW5 2XP

tel 020-7267 1290

email mcwords@googlemail.com

High-quality fiction and non-fiction with an international market (home 15%, overseas 20%, performance rights 15%). No children’s books or science fiction. TV, film, radio and theatre scripts from existing clients only. Works in conjunction with US agent. No reading fee. No unsolicited MSS and no email submissions. Approach first by letter (including sae). Founded 1992.

Jonathan Clowes Ltd*

10 Iron Bridge House, Bridge Approach, London NW1 8BD

tel 020-7722 7674

email rosie@jonathanclowes.co.uk

email cara@jonathanclowes.co.uk

website www.jonathanclowes.co.uk

Directors Ann Evans, Nemonie Craven; Contacts Rosie Welsh, Cara Lee Simpson

Literary and commercial fiction and non-fiction, film, TV, theatre (for existing clients) and radio (home 15%, overseas 20%). See website for submission guidelines. No reading fee. Email for general enquiries. Works in association with agents overseas. Founded 1960.

Clients include Dr David Bellamy, Arthur Conan Doyle Characters Ltd, Simon Critchley, Len Deighton, Brian Freemantle, Victoria Glass, Francesca Hornak, Carla Lane, David Nobbs, Gruff Rhys and the literary estates of Doris Lessing, Elizabeth Jane Howard, Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh.

Rosica Colin Ltd

1 Clareville Grove Mews, London SW7 5AH

tel 020-7370 1080

Directors Sylvie Marston, Joanna Marston

All full-length MSS (excluding science fiction and poetry); also theatre, film and sound broadcasting (home 10%, overseas 10-20%). No reading fee, but may take 3–4 months to consider full MSS. Send synopsis only in first instance, with letter outlining writing credits and whether MS has been previously submitted, plus return postage.

Authors include Richard Aldington, Simone de Beauvoir (in UK), Samuel Beckett (publication rights), Steven Berkoff, Alan Brownjohn, Sandy Brownjohn, Donald Campbell, Nick Dear, Neil Donnelly, J.T. Edson, Bernard Farrell, Rainer Werner Fassbinder (in UK), Jean Genet, Franz Xaver Kroetz, Don McCamphill, Heiner Müller (in UK), Graham Reid, Alan Sillitoe, Botho Strauss (in UK), Rina Vergano, Anthony Vivis, Wim Wenders (in UK). Founded 1949.

Jane Conway-Gordon Ltd*

38 Cromwell Grove, London W6 7RG

tel 020-7371 6939

email jane@conway-gordon.co.uk

website www.janeconwaygordon.com

Full length MSS (home 15%, overseas 20%). No poetry, science fiction or children’s. Represented in all foreign countries. No reading fee but preliminary letter and return postage essential. Founded 1982.

Coombs Moylett Maclean Literary Agency

120 New Kings Road, London SW6 4LZ

tel 020-8740 0454

website www.cmm.agency

Contacts Lisa Moylett, Jamie Maclean

Specialises in well-written commercial fiction, particularly in the genres of historical fiction, crime/mystery/suspense and thrillers, women’s fiction across a spectrum ranging from chick-lit sagas to contemporary and literary fiction. Also looking to build a children’s list concentrating on YA fiction. Considers most non-fiction particularly history, biography, current affairs and cookery. Works with foreign agents. Commission: home 15%, overseas 20%, film/TV 20%. No reading fee. Does not handle poetry, plays or scripts for film and TV.

Creative Authors Ltd

11A Woodlawn Street, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1HQ

email write@creativeauthors.co.uk

website www.creativeauthors.co.uk

Twitter @creativeauthors

Director Isabel Atherton

Fiction, women’s fiction, literary fiction, non-fiction, humour, history, science, autobiography, biography, business, memoir, health, cookery, arts and crafts, crime, children’s fiction, picture books, young adult, graphic novels and illustrators (home 15%, overseas 20%). Only accepts email submissions.

Authors and illustrators include Guojing, Ged Adamson, Zuza Zak, Tristan Donovan, Nick Soulsby, Mark Beaumont, Lucy Scott, Coll Muir, Kenneth Womack, Bompas & Parr, Kelly Lawrence, Colleen Kosinski, Anthony Galving, Dr Keith Souter. Founded 2008.

Rupert Crew Ltd*

6 Windsor Road, London N3 3SS

tel 020-8346 3000

email info@rupertcrew.co.uk

website www.rupertcrew.co.uk

Managing Director Caroline Montgomery

International representation, handling accessible literary and commercial fiction and non-fiction for adult and children’s (8+) markets. Home 15%; overseas, TV/film and radio 20%. No picture books, plays, screenplays, poetry, journalism, science fiction, fantasy or short stories. No reading fee. No unsolicited MSS: see website for current submission guidelines. Founded 1927 by F. Rupert Crew.

Curtis Brown Group Ltd*

Haymarket House, 28–29 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4SP

tel 020-7393 4400

email cb@curtisbrown.co.uk

website www.curtisbrown.co.uk

website www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk

Twitter @CBGBooks

Twitter @CBCreative

Chairman Jonathan Lloyd, Joint Chief Executives Jonny Geller and Ben Hall, Directors Jacquie Drewe, Nick Marston, Sarah Spear Books Jonny Geller (Managing Director), Felicity Blunt, Sheila Crowley, Jonathan Lloyd, Alice Lutyens, Norah Perkins (Estates), Luke Speed (Book to Film), Cathryn Summerhayes, Karolina Sutton, Stephanie Thwaites, Gordon Wise

Represents prominent writers of fiction and non-fiction, from winners of all major awards to international bestsellers, and formats ranging from print and audio to digital and merchandise. In fiction, works across many genres, both literary and those aimed at a popular audience, and looks for strong voices and outstanding storytellers in general fiction, crime, thrillers, psychological suspense, mainstream fantasy, historical fiction, young adult and children’s books. Non-fiction list includes leading commentators and thinkers, historians, biographers, YouTubers, lifestyle brands, scientists and writers of quality narrative non-fiction.

Represents a number of well-known personalities, from world-renowned politicians to business leaders and comedians. Curtis Brown also manages the international careers of authors, with strong relationships in translation and US markets. The Book Department works closely with a team of media agents, offering full-service representation in film, TV and theatre. Activities include the creative writing school, Curtis Brown Creative, established with the aim of finding and fostering new talent.

Simultaneous submissions with C&W (previously Conville and Walsh) (see separate entry), also a member of the Curtis Brown Group of companies.

While no longer accepting submissions by post, for more information on submissions and individual agents, as well as the writing courses offered as part of Curtis Brown Creative, consult www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk. Founded 1899.

Judy Daish Associates Ltd

2 St Charles Place, London W10 6EG

tel 020-8964 8811

email judy@judydaish.com

website www.judydaish.com

Agents Judy Daish, Howard Gooding, Tracey Elliston

Theatre, film, TV, radio (rates by negotiation). No unsolicited MSS. No reading fee. Founded 1978.

Caroline Davidson Literary Agency*

5 Queen Anne’s Gardens, London W4 1TU

tel 020-8995 5768

email enquiries@cdla.co.uk

website www.cdla.co.uk

Handles exceptional novels, memoirs and non-fiction of originality and high quality (12.5%). Visit website for further information. All submissions must be in hard copy. Email submissions are not considered. For non-fiction send letter with cv and detailed, well thought-out book proposal, including chapter synopsis. With fiction, send letter, cv, summary and the first 50pp of text. No reply without large sae with correct return postage. CDLA dislikes fantasy, horror, crime and sci-fi.

Authors (frontlist) include Peter Barham, Andrew Beatty, Andrew Dalby, Emma Donoghue, Chris Greenhalgh, Richard Hobday, John Phibbs, Helena Whitbread. Founded 1988.

Felix de Wolfe

20 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TW

tel 020-7242 5066

email info@felixdewolfe.com

website www.felixdewolfe.com

Agents Caroline de Wolfe, Wendy Scozzaro

Theatre, films, TV, sound broadcasting, fiction (home 10–15%, overseas 20%). No reading fee. Works in conjunction with many foreign agencies. No unsolicited submissions.

DGA Ltd

55 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9DG

tel 020-7240 9992

email assistant@davidgodwinassociates.co.uk

website www.davidgodwinassociates.com

Twitter @DGALitAgents

Directors David Godwin, Heather Godwin

Broad range of fiction and non-fiction with a strong focus on literary. Send MS with synopsis and cover letter to sebastiangodwin@davidgodwinassociates.co.uk. Founded 1995.

DHH Literary Agency

23–27 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ

tel 020-7836 7376

email enquiries@dhhliteraryagency.com

website www.dhhliteraryagency.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/dhhliteraryagency

Twitter @dhhlitagency

Agents David H. Headley, Broo Doherty, Hannah Sheppard, Harry Illingworth, Natalie Galustian

Fiction, women’s commercial fiction, crime, literary fiction, science fiction and fantasy. Non-fiction special interests include memoir, history, cookery and humour. Also children’s and YA fiction. No plays or scripts, poetry or short stories. Send informative preliminary email with first three chapters and synopsis. No reading fee. New authors welcome. Founded 2008.

Diamond Kahn & Woods Literary Agency

Top Floor, 66 Onslow Gardens, London N10 3JX

tel 020-3514 6544

email info@dkwlitagency.co.uk

email submissions.ella@dkwlitagency.co.uk

email submissions.bryony@dkwlitagency.co.uk

email submissions.elinor@dkwlitagency.co.uk

website www.dkwlitagency.co.uk

Twitter @DKWLitAgency

Agents Ella Diamond Kahn, Bryony Woods, Elinor Cooper

Literary and commercial fiction (including all major genres) and non-fiction for adults; and children’s, young adult and crossover fiction (home 15%, USA/translation 20%). Interested in new writers. No reading fee, email submissions only. Send three chapters and synopsis to one agent only. See website for further details on agents, their areas of interest and submission guidelines.

Clients include Vanessa Curtis, Virginia Macgregor, S.E. Lister, Chris Lloyd, Nicole Burstein, David Owen, Caroline O’Donoghue, Samantha Collett, Sharon Gosling, Sylvia Bishop, Sarah Baker, Katherine Orton, Dan Smith, Meg Fee, Laura Jane Williams, Emma Pass, Tom Percival, Matilda Tristram, Tom Duxbury, Nina de la Mer, Jay Eunji Lee, Jion Sheibani and Laura Kaye.

Elise Dillsworth Agency

9 Grosvenor Road, Muswell Hill, London N10 2DR

email elise@elisedillsworthagency.com

website www.elisedillsworthagency.com

Twitter @EliseDillsworth

Owner/Literary Agent Elise Dillsworth

Represents literary and commercial fiction and non-fiction in the area of memoir, biography, travel and cookery, with a keen aim to reflect writing that is international (home 15%, overseas 20%). Does not represent science fiction, fantasy, poetry, plays, film/TV scripts or children’s books. Send preliminary letter, synopsis and first three chapters (or approximately 50 pages). No postal submissions accepted. See website for full submission guidelines.

Authors include Yvonne Battle-Felton, Vanessa Bolosier, Anthony Joseph, Irenosen Okojie, Yewande Omotoso, Ilmar Taska and Stephanie Victoire. Founded 2012.

Robert Dudley Agency

135A Bridge Street, Ashford, Kent TN25 5DP

tel 07879 426574

email info@robertdudleyagency.co.uk

website www.robertdudleyagency.co.uk

Proprietor Robert Dudley

Non-fiction only. Specialises in history, biography, sport, management, politics, military history, current affairs (home 15%, overseas 20%; film/TV/radio 20%). No reading fee. Will suggest revision. Email submissions preferred. All material sent at owner’s risk. No MSS returned without sae.

Authors include Nigel Barlow, Ben Barry, Tim Bentinck, Rachel Bridge, Michael Broers, Prit Buttar, David Hanrahan, Halik Kochanski, William Mortimer Moore, Mungo Melvin, Tim Phillips, Brian Holden Reid, Mary Colwell, Elise Schwarz, Chris

Sidwells, Martyn Whittock. Founded 2000.

Eddison Pearson Ltd*

West Hill House, 6 Swains Lane, London N6 6QS

tel 020-7700 7763

email enquiries@eddisonpearson.com

website www.eddisonpearson.com

Contact Clare Pearson

Children’s and young adult books, fiction and non-fiction, poetry (home 10–15%, overseas 15–20%). Small, personally run agency. Enquiries and submissions by email only; email for up-to-date submission guidelines by return. No reading fee. May suggest revision where appropriate.

Authors include Valerie Bloom, Sue Heap, Caroline Lawrence, Robert Muchamore, Megan Rix.

Edwards Fuglewicz*

49 Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3HZ

tel 020-7405 6725

Partners Ros Edwards, Helenka Fuglewicz

Literary and commercial fiction (but no children’s fiction, science fiction or horror); non-fiction: biography, history and narrative non-fiction (including animal stories), (home 15%, USA/translation 20%). No email submissions. Founded 1996.

Faith Evans Associates*

27 Park Avenue North, London N8 7RU

tel 020-8340 9920

email faith@faith-evans.co.uk

Small agency (home 15%, overseas 20%). Co-agents in most countries. List full. No phone calls or submissions.

Authors include Melissa Benn, Eleanor Bron, Midge Gillies, Ed Glinert, Vesna Goldsworthy, Jim Kelly, Helena Kennedy, Tom Paulin, Sheila Rowbotham, Harriet Walter, Elizabeth Wilson, and the estates of Madeleine Bourdouxhe and Lorna Sage. Founded 1987.

Janet Fillingham Associates

52 Lowther Road, London SW13 9NU

tel 020-8748 5594

website www.janetfillingham.com

Agents Janet Fillingham, Kate Weston

Film, TV and theatre only (home 15%, overseas 15–20%). No books. Strictly no unsolicited MSS; professional recommendation required. Founded 1992.

Film Rights Ltd

11 Pandora Road, London NW6 1TS

tel 020-8001 3040

email information@filmrights.ltd.uk

website www.filmrights.ltd.uk

Directors Brendan Davis, Joan Potts

Theatre, films, TV and sound broadcasting (home 10%, overseas 15%). No reading fee. Represented in USA and abroad. Founded 1932.

Clients include Carlo Ardito, John Chapman, Peter Coke, Ray Cooney OBE, Dave Freeman, John Graham, Robin Hawdon, Jeremy Lloyd (plays), Dawn Lowe-Watson, Glyn Robbins, Edward Taylor, the estate of Dodie Smith, the literary estate of N.C. Hunter, the estate of Frank Baker and the literary estate of Michael Pertwee.

Laurence Fitch Ltd

(incorporating The London Play Company 1922)

11 Pandora Road, London NW6 1TS

tel 020-8001 3040

email information@laurencefitch.com

website www.laurencefitch.com

Directors F.H.L. Fitch, Joan Potts, Brendan Davis

Film and TV (home 10%, overseas 15%).

Authors include Carlo Ardito, John Chapman, Peter Coke, Ray Cooney OBE, Dave Freeman, John Graham, Robin Hawdon, Jeremy Lloyd (plays), Dawn Lowe-Watson, Glyn Robbins, Edward Taylor, the estate of Dodie Smith, the literary estate of N.C. Hunter, the estate of Frank Baker and the literary estate of Michael Pertwee.

Fox & Howard Literary Agency*

39 Eland Road, London SW11 5JX

tel 020-7223 9452

email enquiries@foxandhoward.co.uk

email fandhagency@googlemail.com

website www.foxandhoward.co.uk

Partners Chelsey Fox, Charlotte Howard

General non-fiction: biography, history and popular culture, reference, business, mind, body & spirit, health and personal development, popular psychology (home 15%, overseas 20%). Check website for submission details. The client list is currently closed.

FRA*

(formerly Futerman, Rose & Associates)

91 St Leonards Road, London SW14 7BL

tel 020-8255 7755

email enquiries@futermanrose.co.uk

website www.futermanrose.co.uk

Contacts Guy Rose, Alexandra Groom

Fiction, biography (especially sport, music and politics), show business, current affairs, teen fiction and scripts for TV and film. No children’s, science fiction or fantasy. No unsolicited MSS. Send brief résumé, synopsis, first 20pp and sae.

Clients include Jill Anderson, Larry Barker, Christian Piers Betley, Kevin Clarke, Richard Digance, Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP, Sir Martin Ewans, Paul Ferris, John French, Susan George, Keith Gillespie, Paul Hendy, Sarah Heron, Tony Ilott, Sara Khan, Jerry Leider, Keith R. Lindsay, Eric MacInnes, Paul Marx, Tony McMahon, Sir Vartan Melkonian, Joseph Miller, John Moreton, Max Morgan-Witts, His Hon Judge Peter Murphy, His Hon Judge Chris Nicholson, Mary O’Hara, Ciaran O’Keeffe, Antonia Owen, Tom Owen, Zoe Paphitis, Liz Rettig, Kenneth G. Ross, Peter Sallis, Paul Stinchcombe QC, Gordon Thomas, Bill Tidy, Toyah Willcox, Simon Woodham, Allen Zeleski. Founded 1984.

Fraser Ross Associates

6 Wellington Place, Edinburgh EH6 7EQ

tel 0131 553 2759, 0131 657 4412

email agentlmfraser@gmail.com

email kjross@tiscali.co.uk

website www.fraserross.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/fraserrossassociates

Twitter @FraserRossLA

Partners Lindsey Fraser, Kathryn Ross

Writing and illustration for children’s books, fiction and non-fiction for adults. See website for client list and submission guidelines. Founded 2002.

Furniss Lawton*

180 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QZ

tel 020-8987 6804

email info@furnisslawton.co.uk

website www.furnisslawton.co.uk

Agents Eugenie Furniss, Rowan Lawton, Rory Scarfe, Rachel Mills

Fiction: general commercial, thrillers, historical, crime, suspense, women’s fiction, literary and young adult. Non-fiction: biography, memoir, cookery, lifestyle, business, history, popular science, psychology. Submissions by email only to info@furnisslawton.co.uk. Home 15%, overseas 20%.

Authors include S.K. Tremayne, Matt Reilly, Louise Jensen, Caz Frear, Mary Lynn Bracht, Julian Clary, Clare Balding, Tasmina Perry, Lindsey Kelk, Michael Calvin, Jon Sopel.

Jüri Gabriel

35 Camberwell Grove, London SE5 8JA

tel 020-7703 6186

email juri@jurigabriel.com

Quality fiction and non-fiction (i.e. anything that shows wit and intelligence); radio, TV and film, but selling these rights only in existing works by existing clients (home 10%, overseas 20%, performance rights 10%). Submit three sample chapters plus a 1–2 page synopsis and sae (if using snail mail) in the first instance. Will suggest revision where appropriate. No short stories, articles, verse or books for children. No reading fee. Jüri Gabriel was the chairman of Dedalus (publishers) for nearly 30 years.

Authors include Jack Allen, Gbontwi Anyetei, Nick Bradbury, Prof. Christopher Day, Miriam Dunne, Paul Genney, Pat Gray, Mikka Haugaard, Robert Irwin, Pat Johnson, ‘David Madsen’, Richard Mankiewicz, David Miller, John Outram, Philip Roberts, Roger Storey, Jeremy Weingard.

Graham Maw Christie*

37 Highbury Place, London N5 1QP

email enquiries@grahammawchristie.com

website www.grahammawchristie.com

Twitter @litagencyGMC

Contacts Jane Graham Maw, Jennifer Christie

General non-fiction: autobiography/memoir, business/smart thinking, humour and gift, food and drink, craft, health and wellness, fashion, lifestyle, parenting, self-help/how to, popular science/history/culture/reference, TV tie-in. No fiction, children’s or poetry. No reading fee. Email submissions only. Will suggest revisions. Also represents ghostwriters. See website for submission guidelines.

Authors include Bronte Aurell, Elizabeth Bentley, Jane Brocket, Sally Coulthard, Vybarr Cregan-Reid, Simon Dawson, Oli Doyle, Michael Foley, Linda Gask, Clare Gogerty, Amber Hatch, Megan C. Hayes, Dr Jessamy Hibberd, Tim D. James, Cathryn Kemp, Sarah Norris, Lisa Lam, Alex Monroe, Gavin Presman, Andy Ramage, Suzy Reading, Juliet Sear, Fern Taylor, Jo Usmar, Richard Wilson, Brit Williams, Raynor Winn. Founded 2005.

Annette Green Authors’ Agency

5 Henwoods Mount, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells TN2 4BH

tel (01892) 263252

website www.annettegreenagency.co.uk

Partners Annette Green, David Smith

Full-length MSS (home 15%, overseas 20/25%). Literary and general fiction and non-fiction, popular culture, history, science, teenage fiction. No picture books, dramatic scripts, poetry, science fiction or fantasy. No reading fee. Preliminary letter, synopsis, sample chapter and sae essential.

Authors include Andrew Baker, Louis Barfe, James Bloodworth, Tim Bradford, Bill Broady, Katherine Clements, Terry Darlington, Elizabeth Haynes, Liz Jones, Frances Kay, Jane Kerr, Claire King, Maria McCann, Adam Macqueen, Ian Marchant, Kirsty

Scott, Mel Wells.

Christine Green Authors’ Agent*

LSBU Technopark, 90 London Road, London SE1 6LN

tel 020-7401 8844

email info@christinegreen.co.uk

website www.christinegreen.co.uk

Twitter @whitehorsemews

Contact Christine Green

Literary and commercial fiction, narrative (novelistic) non-fiction. General, young adult, women’s, crime and historical fiction welcome, but note no genre science fiction or fantasy, travelogues, self-help, picture books, scripts or poetry. Commission: home 15%, overseas 20%. Works in conjunction with agencies in Asia, Europe and Scandinavia. No reading fee. Preliminary queries by email welcome. Email submissions only. Founded 1984.

Louise Greenberg Books Ltd*

The End House, Church Crescent, London N3 1BG

tel 020-8349 1179

email louisegreenberg@msn.com

website www.louisegreenbergbooks.co.uk

Full-length MSS (home 15%, overseas 20%). Literary fiction and non-fiction. No reading fee. Return postage and sae essential. No telephone enquiries. Founded 1997.

Greene & Heaton Ltd*

37 Goldhawk Road, London W12 8QQ

tel 020-8749 0315

email submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk

email info@greeneheaton.co.uk

website www.greeneheaton.co.uk

Twitter @GreeneandHeaton

Contacts Carol Heaton, Judith Murray, Antony

Topping, Claudia Young, Eleanor Teasdale, Kate Rizzo (Foreign Rights Director)

Fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, USA/translation 20%). No poetry or original scripts for theatre, film or TV. Email submissions accepted, but no reply guaranteed, or send a covering letter, synopsis and first three chapters with sae and return postage. Handles translation rights directly in all major territories.

Clients include Lucy Atkins, Laura Barnett, Jordan Bourke, Elizabeth Buchan, Helen Callaghan, Emma Chapman, Lucy Clarke, Martha Collison, Suzannah Dunn, Sabine Durrant, Marcus du Sautoy, Samantha Ellis, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Michael Frayn, Christoph Galfard, Maeve Haran, the estate of P.D. James, Joseph Knox, M.D. Lachlan, William Leith, Dan Lepard, James McGee, Ian McGuire, S.G. MacLean, Thomasina Miers, Lottie Moggach, Kamin Mohammadi, Jo Nadin, Mary-Ann Ochota, Temi Oh, Ian Overton, C.J. Sansom, Andrew Taylor, Sarah Waters, Will Wiles, Benjamin Wood, Jackie Wullschlager, Anne Youngson. Children’s authors include Helen Craig, Viviane Schwarz. Founded 1963.

The Greenhouse Literary Agency

4th Floor, 9 Kingsway, London WC2B 6XF

tel 020-7841 3959

email submissions@greenhouseliterary.com

website www.greenhouseliterary.com

Twitter @sarahgreenhouse

Twitter @nolanpolly

Director Sarah Davies, UK Agent Polly Nolan

Specialist children’s book agency with a reputation for impressive transatlantic deals. Represents picture book author-illustrators through to writers for teens/young adults (USA/UK 15%, elsewhere 25%). Represents European and Commonwealth authors writing in English (Polly Nolan) as well as North American authors (Sarah Davies). No non-fiction. No adult fiction. No reading fee. No postal submissions. Queries by email only. Strict submission criteria (see website for details).

Authors include Janine Beacham, Jennifer Bell, Julie Bertagna, Sarwat Chadda/Joshua Khan, Lindsey Eagar, Tae Keller, Dawn Kurtagich, Alice Lickens, Megan Miranda, Sinéad O’Hart, Gavin Puckett, Ali Standish, Louie Stowell, Matilda Woods. Founded 2008.

Gregory & Company Authors’ Agents*

(Now part of David Higham Associates)

6th Floor, Waverley House, 7–12 Noel Street, London W1F 8GQ

tel 020-7434 5900

email (general enquiries)

email maryjones@gregoryandcompany.co.uk (submissions)

website www.gregoryandcompany.co.uk

Twitter @GregoryCoAgents

Contacts Jane Gregory (UK, US, film rights), Claire Morris (translation rights), Stephanie Glencross and Mary Jones (editorial), Laura Darpetti (assistant), Sara Langham (assistant)

Fiction (home 15%, USA/translation/radio/film/TV 20%). Special interests (fiction): literary, commercial, women’s fiction, crime, suspense and thrillers. Particularly interested in books which will also sell to publishers abroad. No science fiction, fantasy, poetry, academic or children’s books, original plays, film or TV scripts (only published books are sold to film and TV). No reading fee. Editorial advice given to own authors. No unsolicited MSS: send preliminary letter with cv, synopsis (3pp maximum), first 10pp of typescript and future writing plans plus return postage. Submissions can also be sent by email, first 50pp of typescript, but due to volume will only respond if interested in reading more. Represented throughout Europe, Asia and USA. Founded 1987.

Authors include Val McDermid, Minette Walters, Belinda Bauer, Tan Twang Eng, Paula Daly.

David Grossman Literary Agency Ltd

9 Lamington Street, London W6 0HU

tel 020-8741 2860

email submissions@dglal.co.uk

Full-length MSS (home 10–15%, overseas 20% including foreign agent’s commission, performance rights 15%). Works in conjunction with agents in New York, Los Angeles, Europe, Japan. No reading fee but preliminary letter required. No submissions by fax or email. Founded 1976.

Gunn Media

50 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BD

tel 020-7529 3745

email douglas@gunnmedia.co.uk

Directors Doug Kean, Sarah McFadden

Commercial fiction and non-fiction including literary, thrillers and celebrity autobiographies (home 15%, overseas 20%).

Authors include Mhairi McFarlane, Dr Liam Fox, Paul Burrell, Mill Millington.

Marianne Gunn O’Connor Literary Agency

Morrison Chambers, Suites 52 & 53, 32 Nassau Street, Dublin D02 RX59, Republic of Ireland

email mgoclitagency@eircom.net

Contact Marianne Gunn O’Connor

Literary, fiction, upmarket fiction including book club and psychological suspense. We also handle children’s books, middle grade, young adult, new adult and crossover fiction, as well as exciting new non-fiction authors with a focus on narrative non-fiction, health, some memoir and biography.

Clients include Liz Nugent, Mike Mccormack, Patrick McCabe, Nana Oforiata Ayim (who brought together the first cultural encyclopaedia for the whole of Africa), Shane Hegarty, Orlagh Collins, Susie Lau aka Stylebubble, Claudia Carroll, Kate Kerrigan, Sinead Moriarty, Emily Gillmor Murphy, Alison Walsh, Kathleen McMahon, Louise Douglas, Kieran Crowley, Christy Lefteri, Julia Kelly, Maureen Gaffney, Chris Binchy, David McWilliams, Vanessa Ronan, Caitriona Perry.

Gwyn Palmer Associates Ltd

225 New King’s Road, London SW6 4XE

email robertgwynpalmer@gmail.com

Contact Robert Gwyn Palmer

Non-fiction only including but not limited to self-help, memoir and autobiography, history, cookery, economics, popular science, graphic design, architecture and design (home 15%). Submissions: make initial contact via email with an outline of the proposal.

The Hanbury Agency Ltd, Literary Agents*

53 Lambeth Walk, London SE11 6DX

tel 020-7582 1099

email enquiries@hanburyagency.com

website www.hanburyagency.com

Twitter @HanburyAgency

Represents general fiction and non-fiction. See website for submission guidelines.

Authors include George Alagiah, Tom Bergin, Simon Callow, Oscar de Muriel, Luke Dormehl, Tim Jarvis, Imran Khan, Roman Krznaric, Judith Lennox, Joanna Palani, Katie Price, Kate Raworth, Professor Gina Rippon, the estate of Elizabeth Taylor, Jerry White. The agency has a strong stable of ghostwriters. Founded 1983.

Hardman & Swainson*

S86 Somerset House, London WC2R 1LA

tel 020-3701 7449

website www.hardmanswainson.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/Hardman-Swainson-262825420515276/

Twitter @hardmanswainson

Directors Caroline Hardman, Joanna Swainson

Literary and commercial fiction, crime and thriller, women’s, accessible literary, YA and middle grade children’s fiction. Non-fiction, including memoir, biography, popular science, history, philosophy. No poetry or screenplays (home 15%, USA/translation/film/TV 20%). No reading fee. Will work editorially with the author where appropriate. Submissions by email only to submissions@hardmanswainson.com.

Clients include Dinah Jefferies, Liz Trenow, Cathy Bramley, Ali McNamara, Giovanna Fletcher, Helen Fields, Isabelle Broom, The Unmumsy Mum. Founded 2012.

Antony Harwood Ltd

103 Walton Street, Oxford OX2 6EB

tel (01865) 559615

email mail@antonyharwood.com

website www.antonyharwood.com

Contacts Antony Harwood, James Macdonald Lockhart, Jo Williamson (children’s)

General and genre fiction; general non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%). Will suggest revision. No reading fee.

Clients include Louise Doughty, Peter F. Hamilton, Alan Hollinghurst, A.L. Kennedy, Douglas Kennedy, Dorothy Koomson, Amy Liptrot, George Monbiot. Founded 2000.

A.M. Heath & Co. Ltd*

6 Warwick Court, London WC1R 5DJ

tel 020-7242 2811

website www.amheath.com

Twitter @amheathltd

Contacts Bill Hamilton, Victoria Hobbs, Euan Thorneycroft, Alexandra McNicoll (foreign rights), Oliver Munson, Julia Churchill (children’s), Rebecca Ritchie, Zoe King

Full-length MSS. Literary and commercial fiction and non-fiction, children’s (home 15%, USA/translation 20%), film/TV (15–20% by agreement). No screenplays, poetry or short stories except for established clients. No reading fee. Digital submission via website.

Clients include Christopher Andrew, Lauren Beukes, Sarah Crossan, Lindsey Davies, Katie Fforde, Conn Iggulden, Cynan Jones, Sarah Lean, Sarah Lotz, Sarra Manning, Hilary Mantel, David Mark, Maggie O’Farrell, Kamila Shamsie, Holly Webb and the estates of A.J. Cronin, Winston Graham and George Orwell. Founded 1919.

Rupert Heath Literary Agency*

50 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BD

tel 020-7060 3395

email emailagency@rupertheath.com

website www.rupertheath.com

Twitter @rupertheathlit

Agents Rupert Heath

Fiction: literary, thrillers, crime, historical, general; non-fiction: history, biography and autobiography, science, nature, politics and current affairs, popular culture and the arts (15% UK, 20% overseas, 20% film/TV/dramatic). Visit website before submitting material. Email submissions preferred. International associates worldwide.

Authors include Michael Arnold, Ros Barber, A.K. Benedict, Andy Bull, Paddy Docherty, Reni Eddo-Lodge, Sarah Govett, Claire Harcup, Martin Lampen, Jo Litchfield, Nina Lyon, Scott Mariani, Lorna Martin, Russell Senior, Merryn Somerset Webb, Robyn Young. Founded 2001.

hhb agency ltd*

62 Grafton Way, London, W1T 5DW

tel 020-7405 5525

email heather@hhbagency.com

email cara@hhbagency.com

website hhbagency.com

Twitter @hhbagencyltd

Contacts Heather Holden-Brown, Cara Armstrong

Non-fiction: journalism, history and politics, contemporary autobiography and biography, ideas, entertainment and TV, business, family memoir, food and cookery a speciality. Fiction: commercial and literary, women’s, historical and crime. 15%. No reading fee. Founded 2005.

Sophie Hicks Agency*

email info@sophiehicksagency.com

website www.sophiehicksagency.com

Twitter @SophieHicksAg

Agents Sophie Hicks, Sarah Williams

Adult fiction and non-fiction (UK/USA 15%, translation 20%). Also handles children’s books for 9+. No poetry or scripts. Email submissions only, see website for guidelines. No reading fee. Represented in all foreign markets.

Authors include: Herbie Brennan, Anne Cassidy, Lucy Coats, Eoin Colfer, Ruth Fitzmaurice, Tristan Gooley, Jack Higgins, Benedict Jacka, Signe Johansen Andrew Donkin, Sarah Dyer, Kathryn Evans, Emerald Fennell, Padraig Kenny, Amanda Reynolds and Tom Whipple. Founded 2014.

David Higham Associates Ltd*

6th Floor, Waverley House, 7–12 Noel Street, London W1F 8GQ

tel 020-7434 5900

email dha@davidhigham.co.uk

website www.davidhigham.co.uk

Managing Director Anthony Goff, Books Veronique Baxter, Jemima Forrester, Georgia Glover, Anthony Goff, Andrew Gordon, Jane Gregory, Lizzy Kremer, Caroline Walsh, Jessica Woollard, Foreign Rights Alice Howe, Emma Jamison, Emily Randle, Claire Morris, Film/TV/Theatre Nicky Lund, Georgina Ruffhead, Clare Israel

Agents for the negotiation of all rights in literary and commercial fiction, general non-fiction in all genres, children’s fiction and picture books, plays, film and TV scripts (home 15%, USA/translation 20%, scripts 10%), offering a full service across all media.

Represented in all foreign markets either directly or through sub-agents. See website for submissions policy. No reading fee.

Clients include literary prize winners: J.M. Coetzee, Tim Winton, Penelope Lively, Alice Sebold, Naomi Alderman; Jane Gardam, bestselling authors: Bernard Cornwell, Jane Green, Paula Hawkins, Alexander McCall Smith, Carole Matthews, Peter May; eminent estates: Anthony Burgess, Graham Greene, Dylan Thomas, John Wyndham; historians: Paul Kennedy, Felipe Fernandez-Armesto; food writers: Claudia Roden, Simon Hopkinson, Rachel Khoo; popular science: John Gribbin; current affairs: John Pilger, Owen Jones, Peter Oborne; biographers: Hilary Spurling, Victoria Glendinning; popular narrative: Lynne Truss; and performers: Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley, Hugh Laurie. The children’s list features Roald Dahl, Jacqueline Wilson, Liz Pichon, Cressida Cowell and Michael Morpurgo. Founded 1935.

Holroyde Cartey*

website www.holroydecartey.com

Contacts Claire Cartey, Penny Holroyde

A literary and artistic agency representing a list of award-winning and bestselling authors and illustrators. Welcomes submissions from debut and established authors. See website for submission guidelines.

Vanessa Holt Ltd*

59 Crescent Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 2PF

tel (01702) 473787

email v.holt791@btinternet.com

General fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%, TV/film/radio 15%). Works in conjunction with foreign agencies and publishers in all markets. No reading fee. No unsolicited MSS and submissions preferred by arrangement. No overseas submissions. Founded 1989.

Kate Hordern Literary Agency Ltd*

email katehordern@blueyonder.co.uk

email annewilliamskhla@googlemail.com

website www.katehordern.co.uk

A small agency with an international reach representing a wide range of fiction, some non-fiction and some children’s. See website for further details of what the agency is looking for and for submission guidelines.

Valerie Hoskins Associates Ltd

20 Charlotte Street, London W1T 2NA

tel 020-7637 4490

email vha@vhassociates.co.uk

website www.vhassociates.co.uk

Proprietor Valerie Hoskins, Agent Rebecca Watson

Film, TV and radio; specialises in animation (home 12.5%, overseas max. 20%). No unsolicited MSS; preliminary letter essential. No reading fee, but sae essential. Works in conjunction with US agents.

Tanja Howarth Literary Agency

19 New Row, London WC2N 4LA

tel 020-7240 5553

email tanja.howarth@btinternet.com

General fiction and non-fiction, thrillers, contemporary and historical novels (home 15%, USA/translation 20%). No unsolicited MSS, no submissions by email. No reading fee. Specialists in handling German translation rights for Verlag Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Hoffmann & Campe Verlag, AVA International GmbH and others.

Clients include Sebastian Fitzek, Markus Heitz, Frank Schaetzing, Patrick Sueskind, Ferdinand von Schirach, and the estate of Heinrich Boell. English authors represented are Trevor Hoyle, Tom Callaghan and the estate of Zoe Barnes. Founded 1970.

Clare Hulton Literary Agency*

email info@clarehulton.co.uk

website www.clarehulton.com

Director Clare Hulton

Represents numerous bestselling and award-winning authors. Specialises in non-fiction especially cookery and lifestyle, health and fitness, music, humour, television tie-ins, popular philosophy, self-help, commercial non-fiction, history, business and memoir. The agency also has a small fiction and YA list. Submissions consisting of a synopsis and sample chapter should be sent by email. No fantasy, poetry, screenplays or illustrated children’s proposals. Founded 2012.

IMG UK Ltd

Building Six, Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London W4 5HR

tel 020-8233 5000

email sarah.wooldridge@img.com

Literary Agent Sarah Wooldridge

Celebrity books, sports-related books, non-fiction and how-to business books (home 15%, USA 20%, elsewhere 25%). No theatre, fiction, children’s, academic or poetry. No emails. No reading fee.

Authors include Michael Johnson, Colin Montgomerie, John McEnroe, Katherine Grainger, Ken Brown, Nicole Cooke, Dave Aldred, Judy Murray, Thomas Bjorn, Padraig Harrington. Founded 1960.

Independent Talent Group Ltd

40 Whitfield Street, London W1T 2RH

tel 020-7636 6565

website www.independenttalent.com

Specialises in scripts for film, theatre, TV, radio (home 10%, overseas 10%).

Intercontinental Literary Agency Ltd*

5 New Concordia Wharf, Mill Street, London SE1 2BB

tel 020-7379 6611

email ila@ila-agency.co.uk

website www.ila-agency.co.uk

Contacts Nicki Kennedy, Sam Edenborough, Clementine Gaisman, Katherine West, Jenny Robson

Represents translation rights only. Founded 1965.

Janklow & Nesbit (UK) Ltd*

13A Hillgate Street, London W8 7SP

tel 020-7243 2975

email submissions@janklow.co.uk

website www.janklowandnesbit.co.uk

Twitter @JanklowUK

Agents Will Francis, Rebecca Carter, Claire Paterson Conrad, Hellie Ogden, Translation rights: Rebecca Folland

Represents a bestselling and award-winning range of commercial and literary fiction and non-fiction, children’s and YA. Email submissions only. No poetry, plays, film/TV scripts. No reading fee. Send informative covering letter with full outline (nonfiction), synopsis and first three sample chapters (fiction) by email to submissions@janklow.co.uk. See website for full submissions guidelines. Handles translation rights directly or through sub-agents in all territories. US rights handled by Janklow & Nesbit Associates in New York.

Clients include Lily Allen, Maria Alyokhina, Gillian Anderson, M.J. Arlidge, Alex Bellos, Tanya Byron, Isaac Carew, Charles Cumming, Michel Faber, Jasper Fforde, Hannah Fry, Elly Griffiths, Xiaolu Guo, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Olivia Laing, Derek B. Miller, Adam Rutherford, Sunjeev Sahota, Camilla Way, Juliet West and Gabriel Weston.

JFL Agency Ltd

48 Charlotte Street, London W1T 2NS

tel 020-3137 8182

email agents@jflagency.com

website www.jflagency.com

Agents Alison Finch, Dominic Lord, Gary Wild

TV, radio, film, theatre (10%). No novels, short stories or poetry. Initial contact by preliminary email; do not send scripts in the first instance. See website for further information.

Clients include Humphrey Barclay, Liam Beirne, Adam Bostock-Smith, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Ian Brown, Bill Dare, Ed Dyson, Phil Ford, Ted Gannon, Lisa Gifford, Rob Gittins, Gabby Hutchinson-Crouch, Jane Marlow, Cardy O’Donnell, Gary Russell, David Semple, James Serafinowicz, Pete Sinclair, Paul Smith, Fraser Steele.

Johnson & Alcock Ltd*

Bloomsbury House, 74–77 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DA

tel 020-7251 0125

website www.johnsonandalcock.co.uk

Contacts Michael Alcock, Anna Power, Ed Wilson, Becky Thomas

All types of commercial and literary fiction, and general non-fiction (home 15%, USA/translation/film 20%). Young adult and children’s fiction (ages 9+). No poetry, screenplays or board/picture books.

For fiction and non-fiction, send first three chapters, full synopsis and brief covering letter with details of writing experience. For email submission guidelines see website. No reading fee but return postage essential. Founded 1956.

Robin Jones Literary Agency (RJLA)

66 High Street, Dorchester on Thames, OX10 7HN

tel (01865) 341486, (07916) 293681

email robijones@gmail.com

Twitter @AgentRobinJones

Director Robin Jones

Adult fiction and non-fiction: literary and commercial. No children’s, poetry, fantasy, YA, screenplays or scripts. Russian themed fiction and non-fiction welcomed. High concept non-fiction preferred. In first instance, send synopsis, 50pp sample, and cover letter detailing writing experience. Affordable script consultancy, structural and editorial development, proofreading, self-publishing consultancy and copy editing services also available.

Authors include Sir David Madden, Waqas Ahmed, Chrissie Hynde, Philip Lymbery, Isabel Oakeshott, Paul Jackson. (Home 15%, overseas 20%). Co-founder of independent publisher Unthank Books, Unthology series, Unthank School and UnLit Festival. Founded 2007.

Tibor Jones & Associates

PO Box 74604, London SW2 9NH

email enquiries@tiborjones.com

website www.tiborjones.com

Contact Kevin Conroy Scott

Literary fiction and non-fiction, category fiction, music autobiographies and biographies. Send first 5pp, synopsis and covering letter via email.

Authors include Wilbur Smith, Guillermo Arriaga, Simon Castets, HRH Princess Michael of Kent, Deborah Curtis, Olafur Eliasson, Hala Jaber, Paul Lake, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Bernard Sumner, Christopher Winn. Founded 2007.

Jane Judd Literary Agency*

18 Belitha Villas, London N1 1PD

tel 020-7607 0273

website www.janejudd.com

General non-fiction and fiction (home 10%, overseas 20%). No longer accepting new clients. Works with agents in the US and most foreign countries. Founded 1986.

Michelle Kass Associates Ltd*

85 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0AA

tel 020-7439 1624

Proprietor Michelle Kass

Literary and commercial fiction (home 10%, overseas 15–20%) and scripts for film and TV. Works with agents around the world. First three chapters. No reading fee. No unsolicited material, phone in first instance. Founded 1991.

Keane Kataria Literary Agency

website www.keanekataria.co.uk

Partners Sara Keane, Kiran Kataria

Boutique agency representing quality commercial fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, USA/translation 20%). No children’s, YA, science fiction/fantasy, academic, short stories, poetry, plays, film/TV scripts. See website for current submission guidelines. No reading fee. Founded 2014.

Frances Kelly Agency*

111 Clifton Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey KT2 6PL

tel 020-8549 7830

Full-length MSS. Non-fiction: general and academic, reference and professional books, all subjects (home 10%, overseas 20%, TV/radio 10%). No reading fee, but no unsolicited MSS; preliminary letter with synopsis, cv and return postage essential. Founded 1978.

Ki Agency Ltd*

Screenworks Studio 315, 22 Highbury Grove, London N5 2ER

tel 0203-214 8287

email meg@ki-agency.co.uk

website www.ki-agency.co.uk

Twitter @kiagency

Director Meg Davis, Agent Ruth Needham (no submissions)

Represents writers of fiction, non-fiction and screenplays. Submission guidelines: letter first with three chapters or full screenplay. No unsolicited MSS. No children’s or YA

Clients include Anne Perry, M.R. Carey, Claire North, Jude Morgan, Duncan Falconer (scripts), Angela Slatter, Helena Coggan. Founded 2011.

Kingsford Campbell Literary and Marketing Agents*

38A Minford Gardens, London W14 0AN

email info@kingsfordcampbell.com

website www.kingsfordcampbell.com

Twitter @KCAgents

Directors Charlie Campbell, Julia Kingsford

Fiction and non-fiction (home 15%; USA, film/tv & translation 20%). No plays, poetry or scripts. Submissions via form on website.

Knight Features Ltd

Trident Business Centre, 89 Bickerseth Road, London SW17 9SH

tel 020-3051 5650

email info@knightfeatures.co.uk

website www.knightfeatures.com

Contacts Gaby Martin, Sam Ferris, Andrew Knight

Biography, history, humour, puzzles, general interest. Literary estates management. No poetry, cookery or travel. Send letter accompanied by synopsis, samples and sae. No unsolicited MSS.

Clients include David J. Bodycombe, Frank Dickens, Barbara Minto, Ralph Barker, Frederick Mullaly, and the works by Patrick MacGill. Founded 1985.

Knight Hall Agency Ltd

Lower Ground Floor, 7 Mallow Street, London EC1Y 8RQ

tel 020-3397 2901

email office@knighthallagency.com

website www.knighthallagency.com

Contacts Charlotte Knight, Martin Knight, Katie Langridge

Specialises in writers for stage, screen and radio but also deals in TV and film rights in novels and non-fiction (home 10%, overseas 15%). No reading fee.

Clients include Simon Beaufoy, Jeremy Brock, Liz Lochhead, Tim Lott, Martin McDonagh, Simon Nye, Ol Parker, Lucy Prebble, Philip Ridley, Laura Wade. Founded 1997.

LAW (Lucas Alexander Whitley Ltd)*

14 Vernon Street, London W14 0RJ

tel 020-7471 7900

website www.lawagency.co.uk

Contacts Adult: Mark Lucas, Julian Alexander, Araminta Whitley, Alice Saunders, Ben Clark; Children’s: Philippa Milnes-Smith

Full-length commercial and literary fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, young adult and children’s books (home 15%, USA/translation 20%). No plays, poetry or textbooks. Film, TV and stage handled for established clients only. Represented in all markets. Unsolicited MSS considered. See website for further information about the clients and genres represented and essential information on submissions. No reading fee. Founded 1996.

LBA Books*

91 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3PS

tel 020-7637 1234

email info@lbabooks.com

website www.lbabooks.com

Twitter @LBABooks

Agents Luigi Bonomi, Amanda Preston, Louise Lamont, Danielle Zigner

Fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%). Keen to find new authors and help them develop their careers. Fiction: commercial and literary fiction, thrillers, crime, psychological suspense, young adult, children’s, women’s fiction, fantasy. Non-fiction: history, science, parenting, lifestyle, cookery, memoir, TV tie-in. No poetry, short stories or screenplays.

Send preliminary letter, synopsis and first three chapters. No reading fee. Works with foreign agencies and has links with film and TV production companies including Endemol, Tiger Aspect, BBC Radio, HatTrick, Plum Pictures, Zodiak and Sega.

Authors include Will Adams, Sarah Alderson, Kirstie Allsopp, Lizzy Barber, Virginia Bergin, Fern Britton, Amanda Brooke, Charlotte Butterfield, Jo Carnegie, Rebecca Cobb, Gennaro Contaldo, Alex Caan, Lucie Cave, Rebecca Chance, Ping Coombes, Emma Cooper, Josephine Cox, Mason Cross, Liz Fenwick, Judy Finnigan, Festival of the Spoken Nerd, Nick Foulkes, Tom Fox, David Gibbins, Rachel Hamilton, Richard Hammond, Helen Hancocks, Fiona Harper, Matt Hilton, Jane Holland, Honey & Co, John Humphrys, Jessica Jarlvi, Annabel Kantaria, Lesley Kara, Simon Kernick, Margaret Kirk, Susan Lewis, Freda Lightfoot, Amy Lloyd, Rachael Lucas, Tom Marcus, Colin McDowell, Richard Madeley, Lucy Mangan, James May, Julie Mayhew, Gavin Menzies, Karen Osman, S.A. Patrick, Gervase Phinn, Madeleine Reiss, Alice Roberts, Simon Scarrow, Lucy Strange, Heidi Swain, Karen Swan, Prof. Bryan Sykes, Alan Titchmarsh, Phil Vickery, Laura Wood, Katherine Woodfine, Emma Yarlett. Founded 2005.

Susanna Lea Associates Ltd*

55 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9DG

tel 020-7287 7757

email london@susannalea.com

website www.susannalea.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/SLA-London-134576166615645/

Twitter @kerryglencorse

Twitter @slalondon

Directors Susanna Lea, Kerry Glencorse

General fiction and non-fiction. No plays, screenplays or poetry. Send query letter, brief synopsis, the first three chapters and/or proposal via the submissions email address: london@susannalea.com. Established in Paris 2000; New York 2004; London 2008.

Barbara Levy Literary Agency*

64 Greenhill, Hampstead High Street, London NW3 5TZ

tel 020-7435 9046

website barbaralevyagency.com

Director Barbara Levy, Associate John Selby (solicitor)

Full-length MSS. Fiction and general non-fiction (home 15%, overseas by arrangement). Film and TV rights for existing clients only. No reading fee, but preliminary letter with synopsis and sae essential, or by email. Translation rights handled by the Buckman Agency; works in conjunction with US agents. Founded 1986.

Limelight Celebrity Management Ltd*

10 Filmer Mews, 75 Filmer Road, London SW6 7JF

tel 020-7384 9950

email mail@limelightmanagement.com

website www.limelightmanagement.com

Contacts Fiona Lindsay, Roz Ellman

Full-length and short MSS. Food, wine, health, crafts, gardening, interior design, literary fiction, biography, travel, history, women’s fiction, crime, fashion, business, politics (home 15%, overseas 20%), TV and radio rights (10–20%); will suggest revision where appropriate. No reading fee. Founded 1991.

Lindsay Literary Agency

East Worldham House, Alton, Hants GU34 3AT

tel (01420) 83143

email info@lindsayliteraryagency.co.uk

website www.lindsayliteraryagency.co.uk

Twitter @LindsayLit

Directors Becky Bagnell, Kate Holroyd Smith

Children’s books, middle grade, teen/YA, picture books. No reading fee. Will suggest revision. Check website for submissions guidelines as these have changed.

Authors include Pamela Butchart, Sam Gayton, Mike Lancaster, Rachel Valentine, Sue Wallman. Founded 2008.

Christopher Little Literary Agency LLP*

(in association with Curtis Brown Group Ltd)

48 Walham Grove, London SW6 1QR

tel 020-7736 4455

email info@christopherlittle.net

website www.christopherlittle.net

Contact Christopher Little

Commercial and literary full-length fiction and non-fiction (home 15%; USA, Canada, translation, audio, motion picture 20%). No poetry, plays, science fiction, fantasy, textbooks, illustrated children’s or short stories. Film scripts for established clients only. No unsolicited submissions.

Authors include Paul Bajoria, Ginny Elliot MBE, Janet Gleeson, Cathy Hopkins, Carol Hughes, General Mike Jackson (Sir), Oskar Cox Jensen, Philip Kazan, Lise Kristensen, Alastair MacNeill, Pippa Mattinson, Robert Mawson, Bruce McCabe, Kate McCann, Haydn Middleton, Shiromi Pinto, A.J. Quinnell, Robert Radcliffe, Darren Shan, Wladyslaw Szpilman, Felix Taylor, Pip Vaughan-Hughes, John Watson, Anne Zouroudi. Founded 1979.

Andrew Lownie Literary Agency*

36 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU

tel 020-7222 7574

email andrew@andrewlownie.co.uk

email david.haviland@andrewlownie.co.uk

website www.andrewlownie.co.uk

Twitter @andrewlownie

Director Andrew Lownie, Fiction agent David Haviland

Handles fiction and non-fiction, working in association with a range of sub-agents around the world. Non-fiction submissions should include synopsis, author profile, chapter summaries and sample material. Fiction submissions should comprise synopsis and the first three chapters. The non-fiction list includes biography, history, reference, current affairs and packaging journalists and celebrities for the book market (home and USA 15%, translation and film 20%). Recent sales include the memoirs of Made in Chelsea’s Spencer Matthews and The Only Way is Essex’s Sam Faiers and Kirk Norcross, and Marina Chapman’s The Girl With No Name. Represents inspirational memoirs (Cathy Glass, Casey Watson) and ghostwriters. Also handles commercial fiction in all genres, particularly crime, thrillers and historical. No reading fee. Will suggest revision.

Authors include Richard Aldrich, Juliet Barker, the Joyce Cary estate, Roger Crowley, Tom Devine, Patrick Dillon, Duncan Falconer, Timothy Good, David Hasselhoff, John Hatcher, Kris Hollington, Robert Hutchinson, Lawrence James, Ian Knight, Frank Ledwidge, Christopher Lloyd, Sean Longden, the Julian Maclaren-Ross estate, Norma Major, Neil McKenna, Sean McMeekin, Linda Porter, David Quantick, Sian Rees, David Roberts, Desmond Seward, David Stafford, Daniel Tammet, Peter Thompson, Matt Wilven; The Oxford Classical Dictionary, The Cambridge Guide to Literature in English. Founded 1988.

Lucas Alexander Whitley – see LAW (Lucas Alexander Whitley Ltd)

Luithlen Agency

88 Holmfield Road, Leicester LE2 1SB

tel 0116 273 8863

website www.luithlenagency.com

Agents Jennifer Luithlen, Penny Luithlen

Children’s fiction, all ages to YA (home 15%, overseas 20%), performance rights (15%). See website for submission information. Founded 1986.

Lutyens & Rubinstein*

21 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2EU

tel 020-7792 4855

email submissions@lutyensrubinstein.co.uk

website www.lutyensrubinstein.co.uk

Agents Sarah Lutyens, Felicity Rubinstein, Jane Finigan, Daisy Parente, Contact Sarah Godman

Fiction and non-fiction, commercial and literary (home 15%, overseas 20%). Send material by email with a covering letter and short synopsis. Submissions not accepted by hand or by post. Founded 1993.

David Luxton Associates Ltd

23 Hillcourt Avenue, London N12 8EY

website www.davidluxtonassociates.co.uk

Agency specialising in non-fiction especially sport, memoir, politics and nature writing. Also handles foerign rights for September Publishing, Judith Murdoch Literary Agency, Eve White Literary Agency and Graham Maw Christie. Unable to accept unsolicited submissions. Please consult website for submission guidelines.

Duncan McAra

3 Viewfield Avenue, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow G64 2AG

tel 0141 772 1067

email duncanmcara@mac.com

Literary fiction; non-fiction: art, architecture, archaeology, biography, military, Scottish, travel (home 15%, USA/translation 20%). Preliminary letter with sae essential. No reading fee. Member of the Association of Scottish Literary Agents. Founded 1988.

Eunice McMullen Ltd

Low Ibbotsholme Cottage, Off Bridge Lane, Troutbeck Bridge, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 1HU

tel (01539) 448551

email eunicemcmullen@totalise.co.uk

website www.eunicemcmullen.co.uk

Director Eunice McMullen

All types of children’s fiction, particularly picture books and older fiction (home 15%, overseas 15%). No unsolicited scripts. Telephone or email enquiries only. Founded 1992.

Authors include Caroline Jayne Church, Ross Collins, Emma Dodd, Alison Friend, Charles Fuge, Cally Johnson Isaacs, Sarah Massini, David Melling, Angela McAllister, Angie Sage, Gillian Shields. Founded 1992.

Andrew Mann Ltd*

email info@andrewmann.co.uk

website www.andrewmann.co.uk

Twitter @AML_Literary

Contacts Tina Betts, Louise Burns

Currently closed to new submissions. Founded 1968.

Marjacq Scripts Ltd*

Box 412, 19–21 Crawford Street, London W1H 1PJ

tel 020-7935 9499

email firstname@marjacq.com

website www.marjacq.com

Twitter @MarjacqScripts

Contact Diana Beaumont (commercial fiction and non-fiction), Philip Patterson (commercial and literary fiction, and non-fiction), Imogen Pelham (literary fiction and non-fiction), Catherine Pellegrino (children’s and YA), Sandra Sawicka (genre and speculative fiction), Leah Middleton (film &tv)

All full-length MSS (home 15%, overseas/film 20%), including commercial and literary fiction and non-fiction, crime, thrillers, commercial women’s fiction, graphic novels, children’s, science fiction, history, biography, sport, travel, health. No poetry. No picture book texts. No theatre (especially no musicals). Send first 50pp with synopsis by email to appropriate agent. See website for further submission guidelines. Expanding full-service agency. Handles all rights. In-house legal, foreign rights and book-to-film support.

Clients include: Katarzyna Bonda, Daisy Buchanan, Angela Clarke, Paul Crilley, Helen FitzGerald, Gemma Fowler, Nick Garlick, Jo Jakeman, Stuart MacBride, Claire McGowan, Emily Mayhew, Bryony Pearce, Angela Readman, Kassia St Clair, Luca Veste, Harriet Whitehorn and Tom Wood. Founded 1974 by George Markstein and Jacqui Lyons.

The Marsh Agency Ltd*

50 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BD

tel 020-7493 4361

email hello@marsh-agency.co.uk

website www.marsh-agency.co.uk

The Marsh Agency offers international representation to a wide range of writers, literary agents and publishing companies. No unsolicited submissions. Founded 1994, incorporating Paterson Marsh Ltd and Campbell, Thomson and McLaughlin Ltd as of April 2011.

Martin Leonardis Literary Management

71–75 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9JQ

tel 020-8316 1878

email info@martinleonardis.com

email submissions@martinleonardis.com

website www.martinleonardis.com

Twitter @missleonardis

Founder & Agent Federica Martin-Leonardis

Fiction: all genres and general fiction. Non-fiction: cookery and food writing, smart thinking, psychology, humour, self-help and inspirational memoirs, business, health and popular science (home 15%; NA/translation 20%). No children/YA, fantasy/space operas, goth/horror, historical non-fiction, poetry/screenplays.

Check the website for full submission guidelines. Do not submit by post. No reading fee. Will consider English and Italian submissions. Interested in new writers and writers from any background. Authors include Rachel de Thample, Oliver Rowe, Thom Eagle, Sonya Lalli.

MBA Literary and Script Agents Ltd*

62 Grafton Way, London W1T 5DW

tel 020-7387 2076

website www.mbalit.co.uk

Twitter @mbaagents

Book agents Diana Tyler, Laura Longrigg, David Riding, Susan Smith, Sophie Gorell Barnes, Julia Silk Film/TV/Radio/Theatre agent Diana Tyler

Fiction and non-fiction, children’s books (home 15%, overseas 20%) and TV, film, radio and theatre scripts (TV/theatre/radio 10%, films 15%). See website for submission guidelines. Foreign rights handled by Louisa Pritchard Associates.

Clients include Jonny Bairstow, Jeffrey Caine, estate of B.S. Johnson, Julian Jones, Rosanna Ley, estate of Anne McCaffrey, Clare Morrall, Stef Penney, Iain Sinclair. Founded 1971.

Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency*

10 Shepherd Market, Mayfair, London W1J 7QF

tel 020-7499 7550

email submissions@madeleinemilburn.com

website www.madeleinemilburn.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/MadeleineMilburnLiteraryAgency

Twitter @agentmilburn

Agents Madeleine Milburn, Giles Milburn (Directors); Anna Hogarty, Alice Sutherland-Hawes (children’s and YA), Associate Agent and TV & Film Coordinator Hayley Steed (overseas associates CAA for film in LA/Hollywood); Literary Assistant Sarah-Jayne Carver

Special interest in launching the careers of debut authors. Represents a dynamic and prize-winning range of adult fiction and non-fiction, young adult and children’s fiction. Literary and upmarket fiction, women’s, reading group, crime, thrillers, historical, romance, mystery, horror, psychological suspense, fantasy and science fiction, true crime, self-help, well being, cookery, narrative non-fiction, history, personal stories, memoir, science, popular psychology, film/TV tie-ins. Film, TV and stage handled for existing clients only.

Children’s fiction for all ages including picture books, 6–8 years, 9–12 years, teen, YA, new adult and books that are read by both children and adults. Also represents illustrators. Represents British, American and international authors. Builds the international careers of authors. Handles all rights in the UK, US and foreign markets including film/TV/radio and digital (home 15%, USA/translation/film 20%). No longer accepts submissions by post. See submission guidelines and agency news on website. No reading fee. Works editorially with all clients

Authors include Gail Honeyman, C.J. Tudor, Fiona Barton, C.L. Taylor, Christi Daugherty, Holly Bourne, Teresa Driscoll, Mel Sherratt, Annie Ward, Melanie Golding, Michelle Adams, Katherine May, Kathryn Croft, Nuala Ellwood, Stephen Giles, Pleesecakes, Simon Cherry, Hayley Barker, Fionnuala Kearney, Dave Lowe, Holly Martin, Rupert Wallis, Lara Williamson, Kate Ling. Founded 2012.

Mulcahy Associates (part of MMB Creative)*

The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL

tel 020-3582 9370

website www.mmbcreative.com

Contacts Ivan Mulcahy, Sallyanne Sweeney

Fiction, non-fiction: biography, crime, finance, historical, lifestyle, sport, thrillers, women’s interests, adult, children’s, youth, commercial, literary. Send query with synopsis and first three chapters via website only. See website for full guidelines.

Toby Mundy Associates Ltd

38 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AE

tel 020-3713 0067

email enquiries@tma-agency.com

website www.tma-agency.com

Twitter @tma_agency

Contact Toby Mundy

A management company that represents writers, speakers and brands. Also creates bespoke content for organisations. Works in association with Ed Victor. Fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, USA/translation 20%). Wide range of genres including history, science, biography, autobiography, politics and current affairs, literary fiction, crime, thrillers. No plays, poetry, sci-fi/horror or short stories. Email preliminary letter, brief cv and first 30pp of sample material to submissions@tma-agency.com. No reading fee. Not currently accepting unsolicited submissions. New clients by submission only. Founded 2014.

Judith Murdoch Literary Agency*

19 Chalcot Square, London NW1 8YA

tel 020-7722 4197

website www.judithmurdoch.co.uk

Contact Judith Murdoch

Full-length fiction only, especially commercial women’s fiction and crime (home 15%, overseas 20%). No science fiction/fantasy, poetry, short stories or children’s. Approach by post, sending the first two chapters and synopsis. Send email address or return postage; no email submissions. Editorial advice given; no reading fee. Translation rights handled by Rebecca Winfield (email: rebecca@rebeccawinfield.com).

Clients include Diane Allen, Trisha Ashley, Frances Brody, Rosie Clarke, Diney Costeloe, Kate Eastham, Leah Fleming, Sarah Flint, Caro Fraser, Elizabeth Gill, Faith Hogan, Emma Hornby, Alex Howard, Arlene Hughes, Lola Jaye, Sheila Jeffries, Pamela Jooste, Jill McGivering, Alison Mercer, Barbara Mutch, Kitty Neale, Sheila Newberry, Mary Wood. Founded 1993.

Kate Nash Literary Agency

1 Swift Way, Brackley, Northants NN13 6PY

tel 0844 415 7844

email submissions.kn@gmail.com

website www.katenashliterary.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/KateNashLiteraryAgency

Twitter @katenashagent

Contact Kate Nash

Represents general and genre fiction, popular non-fiction and children’s and YA fiction (no poetry or drama). Open to approaches from both new and established authors. See website for full submission guidelines.

The North Literary Agency

The Chapel, Market Place, Corbridge, Northumberland NE45 5AW

email hello@thenorthlitagency.com

website www.thenorthlitagency.com

Agents Julie Fergusson, Allan Guthrie, Kevin Pocklington, Mark Stanton

Looking for all types of fiction and narrative non-fiction. Does not represent academic writing, poetry, self-help, picture books or screenplays. Does not accept submissions by post. See website for full submission guidelines. Founded 2017.

Andrew Nurnberg Associates International Ltd*

20–23 Greville Street, London EC1N 8SS

tel 020-3327 0400

email info@andrewnurnberg.com

website www.andrewnurnberg.com

Twitter @nurnberg_agency

Represents adult and children’s international authors, agent and publisher clients in the fields of literary/commercial fiction and general non-fiction for the sale of rights throughout the world via our offices in the UK and overseas.

Deborah Owen

78 Narrow Street, Limehouse, London E14 8BP

tel 020-7987 5119/5441

Contact Deborah Owen

Small agency specialising in only two authors: Delia Smith and David Owen. No new authors. Founded 1971.

Paper Lion Ltd

13 Grayham Road, New Malden, Surrey KT3 5HR

tel (07748) 786199 /(01276) 61322

email katyloffman@paperlion.co.uk

email lesleypollinger@paperlion.co.uk

website www.paperlion.co.uk

Agents Katy Loffman, Lesley Pollinger

Paper Lion is a cross-media literary agency which brings together the digital publishing expertise of Katy Loffman and Lesley Pollinger’s extensive experience as a literary agent. Represents a prestigious list of clients including authors, literary estates, archives, film producers, virtual reality developers and online publishers. Covers all the areas of a traditional literary agency including finding publishers worldwide and selling film and TV rights. In addition, Paper Lion also has a strong focus on the exploration of digital opportunities and solving complex copyright, dramatic rights and literary issues from the present and past.

Clients include Max Allen, Martin Body, Michael Coleman, Kim Erin Cowley, Vince Cross, Fiction Express, Catherine Fisher, Dave Gatward, Bruce Hobson, Bruce Montague, Saviour Pirotta, Summersdale Publishers Ltd and the estates of a number of authors and artists including Grantly Dick-Read, Gene Kemp, Gwynedd Rae and Frieda Lawrence Ravagli.

PBJ & JBJ Management

22 Rathbone Street, London W1T 1LA

tel 020-7287 1112

email general@pbjmanagement.co.uk

website www.pbjmgt.co.uk

Contacts Peter Bennett-Jones, Caroline Chignell

Represents writers, performers, presenters, composers, directors, producers and DJs (theatre 15%, film/TV/radio 12.5%). Specialises in comedy. No reading fee. Founded 1987.

Maggie Pearlstine Associates*

31 Ashley Gardens, Ambrosden Avenue, London SW1P 1QE

tel 020-7828 4212

email maggie@pearlstine.co.uk

Contact Maggie Hattersley

Small agency representing a select few authors. No new authors. Translation rights handled by Aitken Alexander Associates Ltd.

Authors include Matthew Baylis, Lord (Menzies) Campbell, Jamie Crawford, Mark Douglas-Home, Toby Green, Roy Hattersley, Mark Leonard, Prof. Lesley Regan, Winifred Robinson, Christopher Ward. Founded 1989.

Jonathan Pegg Literary Agency*

67 Wingate Square, London SW4 0AF

tel 020-7603 6830

email submissions@jonathanpegg.com

email info@jonathanpegg.com

website www.jonathanpegg.com

Founder & Agent Jonathan Pegg

Specialises in full-length quality fiction and non-fiction (see website for categories). No reading fee. Email submissions accepted; see website for submission guidelines. Founded 2008.

Catherine Pellegrino & Associates

148 Russell Court, Woburn Place, London WC1H 0LR

email catherine@catherinepellegrino.co.uk

website http://catherinepellegrino.co.uk/

Twitter @CatherinePelle8

Director Catherine Pellegrino

Provides a full agenting service for children’s writers, from chapter books to new adult. Does not represent picture texts or illustrators. Please see also the entry for Marjacq Scripts Ltd. Founded 2011.

PEW Literary*

46 Lexington Street, London W1F 0LP

tel 020-7734 4464

email submissions@pewliterary.com

website www.pewliterary.com

Agent Patrick Walsh

Boutique agency with a strong list of prize-winning authors. Actively seeking fresh talent. No poetry, children’s picture books or screenplays. Clients include: literary novelists Nick Harkaway and Tony White, crime writers Luke Jennings and Adam Creed, Keggie Carew (winner of the Costa Biography Prize), Laura Cumming (winner of the James Tait Black Prize), Jim al-Khalili, Tom Holland, Helen Castor, Dame Uta Frith, Andrea Wulf (winner of the Royal Society Prize), Anita Anand, Gaia Vince (winner of the Royal Society Prize), Simon Singh, Professor Richard Wiseman. Artists represented include David Shrigley and Steven Appleby and graphic novels and non-fiction. Founded 2016.

Peters Fraser & Dunlop Ltd*

55 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1BS

tel 020-7344 1000

email info@pfd.co.uk

website www.petersfraserdunlop.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/pfdagents

Twitter @PFDAgents

Ceo Caroline Michel, Book agents Caroline Michel, Annabel Merullo, Michael Sissons, Elizabeth Sheinkman, Tim Bates, Nelle Andrew, Laura Williams, Adam Gauntlett, Silvia Molteni, Marilia Savvides, Fiona Petheram, Tessa David, Laura McNeill, Theatrical Rights Adam Gauntlett, Children’s & Audio Rights Silvia Molteni, Foreign Rights Alexandra Cliff, Marilia Savvides, Rebecca Wearmouth, Laura Otal, Silvia Molteni, Estates Camilla Shestopal, Ellis Hazelgrove, Broadcast & Live Events Jon Fowler, Dan Herron, Vicky Cornforth, TV & Film Rights Jonathan Sissons, Zoe Sharples, Journalism Kate Evans

Represents authors of fiction and non-fiction, presenters and public speakers throughout the world. Covering letter, synopsis or outline and first three chapters as well as author biographies should be addressed to individual agents. Return postage necessary. No reading fee. See website for submission guidelines. Does not represent scriptwriters. PFD runs its own digital publishing imprint called Ipso Books Ltd (www.ipsobooks.com). Founded 1924.

Shelley Power Literary Agency Ltd*

20 Powell Gardens, South Heighton, Newhaven BN9 0PS

tel (01273) 512347

email sp@shelleypower.co.uk

Contact Shelley Power

General fiction and non-fiction. Full-length MSS (home 12.5%, USA/translation 20%). No children’s books, YA, science fiction, fantasy, poetry, screenplays or plays. Works in conjunction with agents abroad. No reading fee, but preliminary letter essential – may be sent by email. Founded 1976.

Redhammer Management Ltd

website www.redhammer.info

Vice President Peter Cox

A boutique literary agency providing in-depth management for a restricted number of clients. Specialises in works with international book, film and television potential. Submissions must follow the guidelines given on the website. Do not send unsolicited MSS by post. No radio or theatre scripts. No reading fee.

The Lisa Richards Agency

108 Upper Leeson Street, Dublin D04 E3E7, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)1 6375000

email info@lisarichards.ie

website www.lisarichards.ie

Contact Faith O’Grady

Handles fiction and general non-fiction (Ireland 10%, UK 15%, USA/translation 20%, film/TV 15%). Approach with proposal and sample chapter for nonfiction and 3–4 chapters and synopsis for fiction (sae essential). No reading fee. Overseas associate The Marsh Agency for translation rights.

Clients include Niall Breslin (Bressie), Matt Cooper, Damian Corless, Christy Dignam, Aoife Dooley, Chris Dooley, Austin Duffy, Caroline Foran, Christine Dwyer Hickey, John Giles, Antonia Hart, Maeve Higgins, Paul Howard (aka Ross O’Carroll-Kelly), Amy Huberman, Arlene Hunt, Roisin Ingle, Alison Jameson, Alison Keating, Declan Lynch, Ronan McGreevy, Pauline McLynn, Louise McSharry, Rory O’Neill/Panti, Colm O’Regan (Irish Mammies), David O’Doherty, Mary O’Donoghue, Derval O’Rourke, Damien Owens, Daniel Seery, Rosemary Smith, The Happy Pear Cookbook, Twisted Doodles, Waterford Whispers News, Sheena Wilkinson. Founded 1998.

Richford Becklow Agency

85 Ashburnham Road, London NW10 5SA

tel 020-3737 1068

email enquiries@richfordbecklow.co.uk

website www.richfordbecklow.com

Twitter @richfordbecklow Contact Lisa Eveleigh

Literary and commercial fiction and non-fiction: first novels, history, biography and popular culture particularly welcome (home 15%, overseas 20%). No fiction for middle grade and younger readers accepted. No reading fee. No postal submissions; will only respond to email submissions. Ensure you visit the website regarding submissions before approaching the agency.

Authors include Amanda Austen, Mary Alexander, Caroline Ashton, Hugo Barnacle, Susan Bassett, Stephen Buck, Anne Corlett, Carol Clewlow, Jane Gordon-Cumming, Lesley Eames, A.D. Lynn, Tim Luscombe, Simon Michael, R.P. Marshall, Ann Victoria Roberts, Grace Wynne-Jones, Sophie Parkin, Lakshmi Raj Sharma, Adrienne Vaughan. Founded 2011.

The Rights Bureau Ltd

The Old Post Office, Kilmacanogue, County Wicklow, Ireland

tel +353-(0)1-276-5921

email vanessa@therightsbureau.ie

email dominic@therightsbureau.ie

website www.therightsbureau.ie

Contacts Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin, Dominic Perrem

Handles primarily non-fiction: health, wellbeing, lifestyle, MBS, popular psychology, gardening, cooking, sport and leisure, craft, photography, autobiography, biography, travel, history, music, smart thinking (home 15%, overseas 20%, film & TV 20%). Approach with proposal and 3–4 sample chapters. Also represents publishers’ rights.

Clients include: Dr Harry Barry, Le Creuset on behalf of Borgerhoff Lamberigts, Andrea Hayes, Karina Melvin, Martin Dillon.

Rocking Chair Books Literary Agency*

2 Rudgwick Terrace, St Stephens Close, London NW8 6BR

email representme@rockingchairbooks.com

website www.rockingchairbooks.com

Twitter @rockingbooks

Contact Samar Hammam

Dedicated to original and page-turning books and looking for stories that are both inspired and inspiring. Focuses on adult commercial fiction, literary fiction, graphic novels and non-fiction for publication around the world (home 15%, translation/adaptation rights 20%). No children’s, YA or science fiction (unless they are crossover). Also works with other agencies to represent their translation or English language rights, including Mulcahy Associates and the Raya Agency. Submission by email only.

Rogers, Coleridge & White Ltd*

20 Powis Mews, London W11 1JN

tel 020-7221 3717

email info@rcwlitagency.com

website www.rcwlitagency.com

Twitter @RCWLitAgency

Chairman Gill Coleridge, Managing Director Peter Straus, Finance Director Nelka Bell, Directors Sam Copeland, Stephen Edwards, Natasha Fairweather, Georgia Garrett, Laurence Laluyaux, Peter Robinson, Zoe Waldie, Claire Wilson, Agents Jennifer Hewson, Cara Jones, Emma Paterson.

International representation for all genres of fiction, non-fiction, Children’s and YA. RCW clients include Nobel, Man Booker and Pulitzer Prize winners and household names. See website for submissions guidelines. No reading fee. Founded in 1967 by Deborah Rogers.

Elizabeth Roy Literary Agency

White Cottage, Greatford, Nr Stamford, Lincs. PE9 4PR

tel (01778) 560672

website www.elizabethroy.co.uk

Children’s fiction, picture books and non-fiction – writers and illustrators (home 15%, overseas 20%). Send preliminary letter, synopsis and sample chapters with names of publishers and agents previously contacted. Return postage essential. No reading fee. Founded 1990.

The Ruppin Agency

email submissions@ruppinagency.com

website www.ruppinagency.com

Twitter @tintiddle

Director Jonathan Ruppin

Represents both commercial and literary fiction, and serious non-fiction. Commission: 15% home, 20% translation (rights handled by The Marsh Agency). Looking for writing with ambition, scale and relevance. Particularly interested in submissions from writers from under-represented communities: working class, LGBTQ+, people of colour, those with disabilities, those outside London catchment area. No reading fee.

No poetry, plays, graphic novels, children’s/YA, professional or academic; full details of areas of interest and submission requirements on website. Founded 2017.

Uli Rushby-Smith Literary Agency

72 Plimsoll Road, London N4 2EE

tel 020-7354 2718

email uli.rushby-smith@btconnect.com

Director Uli Rushby-Smith

Fiction and non-fiction, literary and commercial (home 15%, USA/foreign 20%). No poetry, picture books, plays or film scripts. Send outline, sample chapters (no disks) and return postage. No reading fee. Founded 1993.

The Sayle Literary Agency*

1 Petersfield, Cambridge CB1 1BB

tel (01223) 303035

email info@sayleliteraryagency.com

website www.sayleliteraryagency.com

Proprietor & Agent Rachel Calder

Fiction: general, literary and crime. Non-fiction: current affairs, social issues, travel, biographies, history (home 15%, USA/translation 20%). No plays, poetry, textbooks, children’s, technical, legal or medical books. No reading fee. See website for submission guidelines. Translation rights handled by The Marsh Agency Ltd. Film and TV rights handled by Sayle Screen Ltd. US rights handled by Dunow, Carlson and Lerner. Represents UK rights for Darhansoff and Verill (USA) and The Naher Agency (Australia). Founded 1896.

Sayle Screen Ltd

11 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TD

tel 020-7823 3883

email info@saylescreen.com

website www.saylescreen.com

Agents Jane Villiers, Matthew Bates, Kelly Knatchbull

Specialises in scripts for film, TV, theatre and radio. No reading fee. Unable to consider unsolicited material unless recommended by producer, development executive or course tutor. If this is the case, email a cv, covering letter and details of your referee or course tutor to the relevant agent. Please do not email more than one agent at a time. Every submission carefully considered, but responds only to submissions it wishes to take further; not able to return material sent in. Represents film, TV and theatre rights in fiction and non-fiction for The Sayle Literary Agency, Greene & Heaton Ltd and Rogers, Coleridge and White Ltd. Works in conjunction with agents in New York and Los Angeles.

The Science Factory Ltd*

Scheideweg 34C, 20253 Hamburg, Germany

tel +49 (0)40 4327 2959 (Germany), 020-7193 7296 (Skype)

email info@sciencefactory.co.uk

website www.sciencefactory.co.uk

Director/Agent Peter Tallack (Germany), Agent Tisse Takagi (New York)

Serious popular non-fiction, particularly science, history and current affairs, by academics and journalists (home 15%, overseas 20%). No fiction. In first instance send proposal with chapter summaries and sample chapter (not the first). Email submissions only (material sent by post not returned). No reading fee. May suggest revision.

Authors include Anjana Ahuja, Anil Ananthaswamy, Jim Baggott, David Bainbridge, Adam Becker, Jesse Bering, Lee Billings, Piers Bizony, Daniel Bor, Dennis Bray, Jeffery Bub, Tanya Bub, Daniel Clery, Matthew Cobb, Enrico Coen, Michael Corballis, Trevor Cox, Seth Darling, Sarah Dry, Nicholas Dunbar, John Duncan, Graham Easton, Richard Elwes, Georgina Ferry, Lone Frank, Marianne Freiberger, Kate Greene, David Hand, Valery Hazanov, Bob Holmes, Simon Ings, Harris Irfan, Stephen Joseph, James Kingsland, Adam Kucharski, Cherry Lewis, Alison Li, Ehsan Masood, Mark Miondownick, Samer Nashef, Ted Nield, Michael Nielsen, Abby Norman, Paul Parsons, Massimo Pigliucci, Aarathi Prasad, John Rhodes, Angela Saini, Ian Sample, Nicholas J. Saunders, Govert Schilling, Andy Scott, Menno Schilthuizen, Doug Sisterson, P.D. Smith, Ian Stewart, Thomas Suddendorf, Frank Swain, Jeremy Taylor, Chris Thomas, Rachel Thomas, Roberto Trotta, Mark Van Vugt, Geerat J. Vermeij, Matt Wilkinson, Caroline Williams. UK-registered limited company established

2008.

Linda Seifert Management Ltd

Screenworks Room 315, 22 Highbury Grove, London N5 2ER

tel 020-3214 8293

email contact@lindaseifert.com

website www.lindaseifert.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/lindaseifert

Twitter @lindaseifert

Agents Edward Hughes, Nick Turner

Represents writers, directors and producers for film, TV and radio only – no book authors (home 10%, overseas 20%). Client list ranges from the highly established to the emerging talent of tomorrow – see website for details. Established 2002.

The Sharland Organisation Ltd

The Manor House, Manor Street, Raunds, Northants NN9 6JW

tel (01933) 626600

email tso@btconnect.com

website www.sharlandorganisation.co.uk

Directors Mike Sharland, Alice Sharland

Specialises in film, TV, stage and radio rights throughout the world (home 15%, overseas 20%). Preliminary letter and return postage is essential. No reading fee. Works in conjunction with overseas agents. Founded 1988.

Sheil Land Associates Ltd

52 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LS

tel 020-7405 9351

email info@sheilland.co.uk

Twitter @sheilland

Agents UK & US Sonia Land, Vivien Green, Piers Blofeld, Ian Drury, Gaia Banks Film/theatre/TV Lucy Fawcett, Foreign Rights Gaia Banks, Alba Arnau

Quality literary and commercial fiction and non-fiction, including: politics, history, military history, gardening, thrillers, crime, romance, drama, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, biography, travel, cookery, humour, estates (home 15%, USA/translation 20%). Also film, TV, radio and theatre representation, adult and children’s. Welcomes approaches from new clients to start or to develop their careers. See website for submission instructions. No reading fee. Overseas associates Georges Borchardt, Inc. US film and TV representation CAA, APA and others.

Clients include Sally Abbott, Peter Ackroyd, Charles Allen, Pam Ayres, Josiah Bancroft, Raffaelle Barker, Karen Bartlett, Christopher Bartley, Dan Berlinka, Hugh Bicheno, Melvyn Bragg, Steven Carroll, Lana Citron, David Cohen, Mackenzie Common, Anna Del Conte, Elspeth Cooper, Elizabeth Corley, Seamus Deane, Angus Donald, Brian Dooley, Nadine Dorries, Amanda Duke, Joe Dunlop, Natalie Dye, Janet Edwards, Rachel Elliott, Robert Fabbri, Ann Featherstone, N.J. Fountain, Michelle Frances, Paola Gavin, Zulfikar Ghose, Alan Gilbey, Dr Claire Guest, Janice Hallett, Graham Hancock, Aidan Harte, Lucinda Hawksley, Felicity Hayes-McCoy, Peter Higgins, Susan Hill, Paterson Joseph, Nina Khrushcheva, Aby King, Mark Lawrence, Julia Lee, Cas Lester, Adam Long, Jane Lythell, Richard Mabey, Sharon Marshall, Ed McDonald, The Brothers McLeod, Peter Morfoot, Rachel Murrell, Chris Ould, Gareth Patterson, Gill Paul, Roger Pearce, Cath Quinn, Catherine Robertson, Graham Rice, David Robinson, Leo Ruikbie, Stephanie Saulter, Eva Schloss, Diane Setterfield, Angela Slatter, Anna Smith-Spark, Laura Summers, Martin Stephen, Jeffrey Tayler, Keith Saha, Sue Teddern, Hazhir Teimourian, Rose Tremain, Prof. Stanley Wells, Michael White, Neil White, J.C. Wilsher, Martin Windrow, James Wyllie and the estates of Catherine Cookson, Helen Forrester, Richard Holmes, Patrick O’Brian, Penelope Mortimer, Jean Rhys, Tom Sharpe, Barry Unsworth, F.A. Worsley and Stephen Gately. Founded 1962.

Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency Ltd*

71 Hillgate Place, London W8 7SS

tel 020-7727 9102

email carolinesheldon@carolinesheldon.co.uk

email felicitytrew@carolinesheldon.co.uk

website www.carolinesheldon.co.uk

Twitter @CarolineAgent

Twitter @FelicityTrew

Contacts Caroline Sheldon, Felicity Trew

Represents fiction, non-fiction, children’s books and illustration, women’s fiction, contemporary and historical, and all major fiction genres including humour, crime and fantasy. (Home 15%, USA/Translation 20%, Film/TV 20%). All writing for children including picture books, middle grade and young adult. Represents a select list of leading illustrators working mainly in children’s books.

Authors – send submissions by email only with Submission/Title of work/Name of author in subject line. Include a three line synopsis, full introductory information about yourself and your writing, and the first three chapters only or equivalent length of work.

Illustrators – send introductory information about yourself by email with Artist’s Submission in subject line, and attach samples of your work and/or link to your website. Founded 1985.

Jeffrey Simmons

15 Penn House, Mallory Street, London NW8 8SX

tel 020-7224 8917

email jasimmons@unicombox.co.uk

Specialises in fiction (no science fiction, horror or fantasy), biography, autobiography, show business, personality books, law, crime, politics, world affairs. Full-length MSS (home from 10%, overseas from 15%). Will suggest revision. No reading fee, but preliminary letter essential.

Sinclair-Stevenson

3 South Terrace, London SW7 2TB

tel 020-7581 2550

Directors Christopher Sinclair-Stevenson, Deborah Sinclair-Stevenson

Full-length MSS (home 15%, USA/translation 20%). General – no children’s books. No reading fee; will suggest revision. Founded 1995.

Skylark Literary Limited

19 Parkway, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 9HD

tel 020-8144 7440

email info@skylark-literary.com

website www.skylark-literary.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/SkylarkLiteraryLtd

Twitter @skylarklit

Directors Joanna Moult, Amber Caraveo

Specialists in children’s and young adult fiction – all genres considered (home 15%, overseas 20%.) Interested in new writers. Will consider unsolicited submissions. Agents have editorial backgrounds. Will work closely with clients on their manuscripts to increase chances of publication. See website for submission guidelines. Submissions by email only to submissions@skylark-literary.com. Will suggest revision where appropriate. No reading fee.

Robert Smith Literary Agency Ltd*

12 Bridge Wharf, 156 Caledonian Road, London N1 9UU

tel 020-7278 2444

email robert@robertsmithliteraryagency.com

website www.robertsmithliteraryagency.com

Directors Robert Smith, Anne Smith

Predominantly non-fiction: autobiography and biography, topical subjects, history, lifestyle, popular culture, entertainment, sport, true crime, health and nutrition, illustrated books (home 15%, overseas 20%). No unsolicited MSS. No reading fee. Will suggest revision.

Authors include Sarbjit Athwal, Richard Baker, Delia Balmer, Juliet Barnes, Peta Bee, Paul Begg, Ralph Bulger, Dr John Casson, Gary Chapman, Shirley Charters, Judy Cook, Clive Driscoll, Robert Driscoll, Russell Edwards, Ryan Edwards, Kate Elysia, Stewart Evans, Penny Farmer, Helen Foster, Becci Fox, Stephen Fulcher, Charlotte Green, Naomi Jacobs, Albert Jack, Anita Kelsey, Roberta Kray, Carol Ann Lee, Angela Levin, Mary Long, Tony Long, John McDonald, Ann Ming, James Moore, Zana Morris, Alan Moss, Kim Noble, Marnie Palmer, Theo Paphitis, James Reed, Lyn Rigby, Prof. William D. Rubenstein, Tara Shanie, Keith Skinner, Geoffrey Wansell, Monica Weller, Wynne Weston-Davies, Karl Williams. Founded 1997.

The Standen Literary Agency

2 Dukes Avenue, London N10 2PT

tel 020-8245 8989

website www.standenliteraryagency.com

Twitter @YasminStanden

Director Yasmin Standen

Interested in discovering new writers and launching the careers of first-time writers. Literary and commercial fiction, YA and children’s fiction – middle grade upwards (home 15%, overseas 20%). Non-fiction: get in touch to see if genre is represented. Send submissions by email only; no submissions by post. Send first three chapters, a synopsis (one side of A4) and a covering letter, all double-line spaced. No reading fee. See website for further information.

Authors include: Sarah Harris, Emily Nagle, Marisa Noelle, Louise Cliffe-Minns, Simon Arrowsmith, Andrew Murray et al. Founded 2004.

Elaine Steel Writers’ Agent*

49 Greek Street, London W1D 4EG

tel (01273) 739022

email info@elainesteel.com

website www.elainesteel.com

Contact Elaine Steel

Represents screen, radio, theatre and book writers. Does not read unsolicited material. Any consideration for representation must be by email and accompanied by a cv together with a short outline of the work to be submitted. Founded 1986.

Abner Stein*

Southbank House, Suite 137, Black Prince Road, London SE1 7SJ

tel 020-7373 0456

website www.abnerstein.co.uk

Contacts Caspian Dennis, Sandy Violette

Fiction, general non-fiction and children’s (home 15%, overseas 20%). Not taking on any new clients at present.

Micheline Steinberg Associates

Studio 315, ScreenWorks, 22 Highbury Grove, London N5 2ER

tel 020-3214 8292

email info@steinplays.com

website www.steinplays.com

Twitter @SteinbergAssocs

Agent Micheline Steinberg, Assistant Grace Carroll

Represents writers/directors for theatre, opera, television, film, radio and animation. Film and TV rights in fiction and non-fiction on behalf of book agents (home 10%, overseas 10–20%). Works in association with agents overseas. No unsolicited submissions. Industry recommendation preferred. Founded 1987.

Rochelle Stevens & Co

2 Terretts Place, Upper Street, London N1 1QZ

tel 020-7359 3900

email info@rochellestevens.com

website www.rochellestevens.com

Directors Rochelle Stevens, Frances Arnold

Adult drama scripts for TV, theatre and radio (10%). Children’s drama scripts for TV, film and theatre (10%). Send preliminary letter, cv, short synopsis and opening ten pages of a drama script by post (sae essential for return of material). See website for full submission guidelines. No reading fee. Founded 1984.

Sarah Such Literary Agency

81 Arabella Drive, London SW15 5LL

tel 020-8876 4228

email info@sarah-such.com

website sarahsuchliteraryagency.tumblr.com

Twitter @sarahsuch

Director Sarah Such

High-quality literary and commercial non-fiction and fiction for adults, young adults and children with a particular focus on literary and commercial debut novels, biography, narrative non-fiction, memoir, history, popular culture and humour (home 15%, TV/film 20%, overseas 20%). Always looking for exciting new writers with originality and verve. No reading fee. Will suggest revision. Submit synopsis and a sample chapter (as a Word attachment by email) plus author biography. No postal submissions unless requested. No unsolicited MSS or telephone enquiries. TV/film scripts for established clients only. No radio or theatre scripts, poetry, fantasy, self-help or short stories. Translation representation: The Buckman Agency. Film/TV representation: Lesley Thorne, Aitken Alexander Associates Ltd.

Authors include Matthew De Abaitua, Kirsty Allison, Nick Barlay, Jeffrey Boakye, Salem Brownstone, Kit Caless, Ali Catterall, Rob Chapman, Heather Cooper, Ian Critchley, John Harris Dunning, Rob Harris, John Hartley, Marisa Heath, Wayne Holloway-Smith, Titus Hjelm, Vina Jackson, Maxim Jakubowski, Antony Johnston, Michael Kennedy, Amy Lankester-Owen, Louisa Leaman, Mathew Lyons, Sam Manning, Vesna Maric, Ngaire Mason-Wenn-Wallace, David May, Kit McCall, Benjamin J. Myers QC, Cathy Naden, Ben Osborne, Marian Pashley, Rachel Pashley, John Rowley, Caroline Sanderson, Tony De Saulles, Nikhil Singh, Sara Starbuck, Michael Wendling. Founded 2007.

The Susijn Agency Ltd

820 Harrow Road, London NW10 5JU

tel 020-8968 7435

email info@thesusijnagency.com

website www.thesusijnagency.com

Agents Laura Susijn

Specialises in world rights in English- and non-English-language literature: literary fiction and general non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%, theatre/film/TV/radio 15%). Send synopsis and three sample chapters. No reading fee.

Authors include Peter Ackroyd, Uzma Aslam Khan, Robin Baker, Tessa De Loo, Gwynne Dyer, Olivia Fane, Radhika Jha, Sophia Khan, Yan Lianke, Jeffrey Moore, Mark Mulholland, Parinoush Sainee, Karl Shaw, Sunny Singh, Hwang Sok-yong, Paul Sussman, Alex Wheatle, Adam Zameenzad. Founded 1998.

Emily Sweet Associates

35 Barnfield Road, London W5 1QU

tel 020-8997 6696 /07980 026298

website www.emilysweetassociates.com

Director Emily Sweet

Represents quality fiction and general non-fiction including history, biography, current affairs, topical non-fiction and cookery. No children’s or YA. Founded 2014.

The Tennyson Agency

109 Tennyson Avenue, New Malden, Surrey KT3 6NA

tel 020-8942 1039

email submissions@tenagy.co.uk

website www.tenagy.co.uk

Theatre, Radio, Television & Film Scripts Adam Sheldon

Scripts and related material for theatre, film, radio and TV only (home 15%, overseas 20%). No reading fee. Founded 2002.

Tin-Can Telephone Literary Agency

The Melting Pot, 5 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PR

email mybook@tctliteraryagency.com

website www.tin-can-telephone.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/TCTLiteraryAgency

Twitter @TCTLit

Founder and Agent Cassian Hall

Represents authors in YA, crime/thrillers, historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy. Also interested in non-fiction in the areas of psychology and personal development. Detailed information about what individual agents are looking for can be found on the website. Submissions by email, to include the first three chapters plus a synopsis. Authors should ensure that they have already undertaken editing work on their books before submission. No reading fee. Commission rates: 15% standard commission and up to 20% for overseas representation.

Jane Turnbull*

Postal address Barn Cottage, Veryan Churchtown, Truro TR2 5QA

tel (01872) 501317

email jane@janeturnbull.co.uk

London Office 58 Elgin Crescent, London W11 2JJ

tel 020-7727 9409

website www.janeturnbull.co.uk

High quality non-fiction; biography, history, natural history, lifestyle, humour; TV tie-ins, some literary fiction (home 15%, USA/translation 20%), performance rights (15%). Works in conjunction with Aitken Alexander Associates Ltd for sale of translation rights. No reading fee. Preliminary letter (NOT email) essential; no unsolicited MSS. Founded 1986.

Nick Turner Management Ltd

26 Richborne Terrace, London SW8 1AU

tel 020-7450 3355

email nick@nickturnermanagement.com

website www.nickturnermanagement.com

Twitter @nickturnermgmt

Agents Nick Turner, Phil Adie

Represents writers and directors for film, TV and radio worldwide (home 10%, overseas 15–20%). Specialises in TV drama, comedy, continuing-drama and children’s. See website for submission guidelines. Founded 2016.

United Agents LLP*

12–26 Lexington Street, London W1F 0LE

tel 020-3214 0800

email info@unitedagents.co.uk

website www.unitedagents.co.uk

Agents Sarah Ballard, Caroline Dawnay, Jon Elek, Ariella Feiner, James Gill, Jodie Hodges (children’s/young adult writers and illustrators), Caradoc King,Robert Kirby, Laura Macdougall, Yasmin McDonald, Amy Mitchell, Zoe Ross, Sophie Scard, Rosemary Scoular, Charles Walker, Anna Webber, Jane Willis.

Fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, USA/translation 20%). No reading fee. See website for submission details. Founded 2008.

Jo Unwin Literary Agency*

West Wing, Somerset House, London WC2R 1LA

email info@jounwin.co.uk

website www.jounwin.co.uk

Twitter @jounwin

Contact Jo Unwin

Represents authors of literary fiction, commercial women’s fiction, memoir, YA fiction and fiction for children aged 9+ (picture books only accepted if written by established clients). Also represents comic writing and narrative non-fiction.

Authors include Richard Ayoade, Candice Carty-Williams, Kit de Waal, Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, Georgia Pritchett, Cathy Rentzenbrink, Nadia Shireen, Maudie Smith, Nina Stibbe.

Wade and Co. Literary Agency Ltd

33 Cormorant Lodge, Thomas More Street, London E1W 1AU

tel 020-7488 4171

email rw@rwla.com

website www.rwla.com

Director Robin Wade

General fiction and non-fiction, excluding children’s books (home 15%, overseas 20%). No poetry, plays, screen plays, picture books or short stories. See website for submission guidelines. Email submissions preferred. New authors welcome. No reading fee. Founded 2001.

Watson, Little Ltd*

Suite 315, ScreenWorks, 22 Highbury Grove, London N5 2ER

tel 020-7388 7529

email office@watsonlittle.com

website www.watsonlittle.com

Twitter @watsonlittle

Contacts James Wills (Managing Director), Laetitia Rutherford (Agent), Donald Winchester (Agent), Megan Carroll (Agent)

Adult Fiction: literary, commercial women’s, historical, reading group, crime and thriller. Nonfiction: history, science, popular psychology, memoir, humour, cookery, self-help. Childrens: YA and middle-grade fiction, picture books and children’s non-fiction in all genres. No poetry, TV, play or filmscripts (home 15%, USA/Translation 20%). Send informative preliminary letter, synopsis and sample chapters by email only to submissions@watsonlittle.com. Overseas associates The Marsh Agency Ltd; Film and TV associates Ki Agency and The Sharland Agency; US associates Howard Morhaim Literary Agency and The Gersh Agency.

Authors include Jenny Blackhurst, Susan Blackmore, Martin Edwards, Christopher Fowler, Tim Hall, Greg Jenner, Alex Marwood, Margaret Mahy, Colin Wilson, James Wong, Evie Wyld

Josef Weinberger Plays Ltd

(formerly Warner/Chappell Plays Ltd)

12–14 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JJ

tel 020-7580 2827

email plays@jwmail.co.uk

website www.josef-weinberger.com

Specialises in stage plays. Works in conjunction with overseas agents. No unsolicited MSS; preliminary letter essential. Founded 1938.

Whispering Buffalo Literary Agency Ltd

97 Chesson Road, London W14 9QS

tel 020-7565 4737

email info@whisperingbuffalo.com

website www.whisperingbuffalo.com

Director Mariam Keen

Commercial/literary fiction and non-fiction, children’s and young adult fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%). Special interest in book-to-screen adaptations; TV and film rights in novels and non-fiction handled in-house. Only accepts submissions by email. No reading fee. Will suggest revision. Founded 2008.

Eve White Literary Agency Limited*

54 Gloucester Street, London SW1V 4EG

tel 020-7630 1155

email eve@evewhite.co.uk

email ludo@evewhite.co.uk

website www.evewhite.co.uk

Twitter @EveWhiteAgency

Contact Eve White, Ludo Cinelli

Boutique agency representing commercial and literary fiction and non-fiction, children’s fiction and film/TV tie-ins (home 15%, overseas 20%). No reading fee. Will suggest revision where appropriate. See website for up-to-date submission requirements. No submissions by post.

Eve White’s clients include Ruth Ware, Jane Shemilt, Andy Stanton, Yvvette Edwards, Rae Earl, Paul Cooper, Saskia Sarginson, Rebecca Reid, Sarah J. Naughton, Damian Le Bas, Darran Anderson, Sarah Ockwell-Smith, Tracey Corderoy, Elli Woollard, Abie Longstaff. Founded 2003.

Isabel White Literary Agent

email isabel@isabelwhite.co.uk (trade)

email query.isabelwhite@googlemail.com (submissions)

website www.isabelwhite.co.uk

Proprietor Isabel White

Fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%). Books only – no film, TV or stage plays, poetry, short stories or academic monographs. Not currently accepting submissions. No reading fee.

Authors include Suzi Brent, Iain Clark, Graeme Kent. Founded 2008.

Dinah Wiener Ltd*

12 Cornwall Grove, London W4 2LB

tel 020-8994 6011

email dinah@dwla.co.uk

Director Dinah Wiener

Fiction and general non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%), film and TV in association (15%). No plays, scripts, poetry, short stories or children’s books. Taking on no new clients. Founded 1985.

WME*

(William Morris Endeavour, UK)

100 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1HB

tel 020-7534 6800

email ldnsubmissions@wmeentertainment.com

website www.wmeauthors.co.uk

Books Simon Trewin, Matilda Forbes Watson, Siobhan O’Neill, Fiona Baird, TV Isabella Zoltowski, Antonia Melville

Literary and commercial fiction, crime, thrillers, young adult fiction, middle grade fiction, memoir, self-help, lifestyle, serious non-fiction and popular culture (film/TV 10%, UK books 15%, USA books/translation 20%). No children’s picture books. Please submit via email to the address above and see website for submission guidelines. Worldwide talent and literary agency with offices in New York, Beverly Hills, Nashville and Miami.

The Writers’ Practice

tel 0845 680 6578, mobile 07940 533243

email jemima@thewriterspractice.com

website www.thewriterspractice.com

Twitter @writerspractice

Literary Agent & Editorial Consultant Jemima Hunt, Editorial Consultant, manuscripts and scripts Jeremy Page

The Writers’ Practice is a boutique literary agency and editorial consultancy that’specialises in launching debut authors. Jemima Hunt is interested in commercial and literary fiction and specialises in memoir and narrative non-fiction. She works closely with writers on all aspects of book development. Founded 2011.

The Wylie Agency (UK) Ltd

17 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3JA

tel 020-7908 5900

email mail@wylieagency.co.uk

website www.wylieagency.co.uk

President Andrew Wylie

Literary fiction and non-fiction. No unsolicited MSS. Founded 1996.

Susan Yearwood Agency

2 Knebworth House, Londesborough Road, London N16 8RL

tel 020-7503 0954

email susan@susanyearwood.com

email submissions@susanyearwood.com

website www.susanyearwood.com

Twitter @SYA_Susan

Contact Susan Yearwood

Literary, commercial fiction and non-fiction; children’s fiction 9+ and YA (home 15%, overseas 20%). Send submission with covering letter and brief synopsis via email. Submissions not accepted by hand or post. No reading fee. Founded 2007.

Zeno Agency Ltd*

Primrose Hill Business Centre, 110 Gloucester Avenue, London NW1 8HX

tel 020-7096 0927

website www.zenoagency.com

Twitter @zenoagency

Director John Berlyne

Represents most fiction genres (crime, thrillers, YA, historical etc), with particular specialism in science fiction, fantasy and horror. Also some non-fiction (home and direct overseas 15%, overseas via subagents 20%). See website for client list and submission guidelines. No reading fee. Founded 2008.

 

Literary agents overseas

This list includes only a selection of agents across the English-speaking world. Selected lists of agents in non-English speaking territories can be found at www.writersandartists.co.uk/listings. Before submitting material, writers are advised to visit agents’ websites for detailed submission guidelines and to ascertain terms.

AUSTRALIA

ALM: Australian Literary Management

tel +61 (0)9 818 8557

email alphaalm8@gmail.com

website www.austlit.com

For full details of genres represented and submission guidelines, see website. Does not consider scripts of any kind or books for children by unpublished authors. Does not accept self-published work or writing by non-Australian authors.

The Authors’ Agent

PO Box 577 Terrigal, NSW 2260

email briancook@theauthorsagent.com.au

website www.theauthorsagent.com.au

Specialises in adult fiction, narrative non-fiction and children’s books. Does not accept submissions by email. For detailed guidelines, see website.

Curtis Brown (Australia) Pty Ltd

PO Box 19, Paddington, NSW 2021

tel +61 (0)2 9361 6161

email reception@curtisbrown.com.au

website www.curtisbrown.com.au

No reading fee.

Jenny Darling & Associates

email office@jennydarling.com.au

website www.jennydarling.com.au

Facebook www.facebook.com/jennydarlingassociates

Twitter @AgentsJDA

Contact Jenny Darling

Adult fiction and non-fiction, some YA (home 15%, international/translation 20%, film/TV 20%). Currently closed for submissions. Founded 1998.

Drummond Agency

PO Box 572, Woodend, VIC 3442

tel +61 (0)3 5427 3644

email info@drummondagency.com.au

website www.drummondagency.com.au

Considers both fiction and non-fiction for adults and YA fiction but no fantasy or science fiction. Query by telephone, email or letter. Do not send attachments unless requested. See website for full submission guidelines and author listing.

Authors include Randa Abdel-Fattah, Vikki Wakefield, Claire Zorn, Deborah Burrows, Margareta Osborn, Yvette Walker. Founded 1999.

Golvan Arts Management

website www.golvanarts.com.au

Represents a wide range of writers including writers of both adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction, poetry, screenwriters and writers of plays. Also represents visual artists and composers. See the General Information section on the website before making contact.

HLA Management

Postal address PO Box 1536 Strawberry Hills, Sydney, NSW 2012

email hla@hlamgt.com.au

website www.hlamgt.com.au

Represents directors, writers, designers, directors of photography, film editors, choreographers, composers, comedians and presenters. Does not represent actors. No unsolicited material. Requests for representation by referral.

HMMG Pty Ltd

email hmm@harrymmiller.com

website www.harrymmiller.com.au

Twitter @HMMG_

Accepts submissions for the following genres: nonfiction (strong female, animals, biography, memoir) and reality-based fiction. Does not accept submissions for poetry, short stories, science fiction, fantasy, screenplays or academic textbooks. For detailed submission guidelines, see website.

Margaret Kennedy Agency

PO Box 1433, Toowong 4066, Brisbane

email info@margaretkennedyagency.com

website www.margaretkennedyagency.com

See website for detailed submission guidelines. Query via email, no attachments.

The Naher Agency

PO Box 249, Paddington, NSW 2021

website www.naher.com.au

Specialises in quality fiction and non-fiction for adults. Does not represent fantasy, science fiction, YA, children’s or self-help. Make initial query via form on website.

The Cameron Cresswell Agency/Cameron’s Management

Level 7, 61 Marlborough Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010

tel +61 (0)2 9319 7199

email info@cameronsmanagement.com.au

website www.cameronsmanagement.com.au

Cameron’s Management is an agency representing writers, directors, actors, presenters, designers, cinematographers, editors, composers and book authors across the full range of the film, television, live performance and publishing industries. Only accepts submissions in accordance with guidelines on website. No reading fee.

CANADA

Acacia House Publishing Services Ltd

51 Chestnut Avenue, Brantford, Ontario N3T 4C3

tel +1 519-752-0978

email bhanna.acacia@rogers.com

Managing Director Bill Hanna

Literary fiction/non-fiction, quality commercial fiction, most non-fiction (15% English worldwide, 25% translation, performance 20%). No horror or occult. Works with overseas agents. Query first with sample of 50pp max. Include return postage. No reading fee. Founded 1985.

Rick Broadhead & Associates

47 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 501, Toronto M4V 3A5

email info@rbaliterary.com

website www.rbaliterary.com

See website for submission guidelines and genres represented. Email queries preferred.

The Bukowski Agency Ltd

14 Prince Arthur Avenue, Suite 202, Toronto M5R 1A9

email info@bukowskiagency.com

website www.bukowskiagency.com

Agent Denise Bukowski

Specialises in international literary fiction and upmarket non-fiction for adults. Does not represent genre fiction, children’s literature, plays, poetry or screenplays. See website for submission guidelines. Founded 1986.

CookeMcDermid

email submissions@cookemcdermid.com

email admin@cookemcdermid.com

website www.cookemcdermid.com

Agents Dean Cooke, Sally Harding, Martha Webb, Chris Bucci, Suzanne Brandreth, Ron Eckel, Rachel Letofsky

CookeMcDermid was formed when two pre-eminent literary agencies, The Cooke Agency and The McDermid Agency, amalgamated, combining over 47 years of experience. CMD represents authors of literary, commercial and SFF fiction; a broad range of narrative non-fiction; health & wellness resources; and middle grade and young adult books. Sells Canadian and American rights directly. Cooke International represents UK and translation rights, in conjunction with 35 co-agents around the world. CMD also works with associates to sell film and television rights in Canada and abroad. Founded 2017.

Helen Heller Agency

4–216 Heath Street West, Toronto M5P 1N7

email info@helenhelleragency.com

website www.helenhelleragency.com

Twitter @TheHHAgency

Specialises in adult and young adult fiction and non-fiction. Does not open attachments sent with emails. Query letters and any writing samples should be contained within the body of an email. No phone enquiries. See website for full list of genres represented and submission guidelines.

P.S. Literary Agency

2nd Floor, 2010 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, Ontario L6H 5R7

email info@psliterary.com

website www.psliterary.com

Twitter @PSLiterary

President & Principal Curtis Russell, Vice President & Senior Literary Agent Carly Watters, Literary Agents Maria Vicente, Eric Smith, Associate Literary Agent Kurestin Armada

Represents both fiction and non-fiction works to publishers in North America, Europe and throughout the world. Categories include commercial, upmarket, literary, women’s fiction, mystery, thriller, romance, science fiction, fantasy, historical, LGBTQ, young adult, middle grade, picture books, memoir, history, politics, current affairs, business, wellness, cookbooks, sports, humour, pop science, pop psychology, pop culture, design and lifestyle. Does not accept submissions via mail or telephone. Send queries to query@psliterary.com. Do not send email attachments unless specifically requested.

Beverley Slopen

131 Bloor Street West, Suite 711, Toronto M5S 1S3

email beverley@slopenagency.ca

email beverley@slopenagency.com

website www.slopenagency.com

Agent Beverley Slopen

Represents a diverse list of authors in fields ranging from literary and commercial fiction to history, non-fiction, anthropology, biography and selected true crime and self-help. Not accepting new children’s titles and tends to concentrate on Canadian-based writers. See website for details of authors, titles and submission guidelines.

Carolyn Swayze Literary Agency Ltd

7360-137th Street, Suite 319, Surrey, BC V3W 1A3

email reception@swayzeagency.com

website www.swayzeagency.com

Proprietor Carolyn Swayze

Literary fiction and non-fiction. Some romance and mystery. No science fiction, poetry, self-help, spiritual, screenplays. Eager to discover strong voices writing narrative non-fiction in history, science, nature, popular culture, food and drink. Some memoir. Primarily Canadian authors. No telephone calls: make contact by email. Send query including synopsis and short sample. Provide resume, publication credits, writing awards, education and experience relevant to the book project. Allow six weeks for a reply.

Westwood Creative Artists

386 Huron Street, Toronto M5S 2G6

email wca_office@wcaltd.com

website www.wcaltd.com

Represents literary fiction, quality commercial fiction including mysteries and thrillers and non-fiction in the areas of memoir, history, biography, science, journalism and current affairs. See website for submission guidelines.

NEW ZEALAND

Glenys Bean Writer’s Agent

198A Opito Bay Road, Kerikeri 0294

email glenys@glenysbean.com

Directors Fay Weldon, Glenys Bean

Adult and children’s fiction, educational, non-fiction, film, TV, radio (10–20%). Send preliminary letter, synopsis and sae. No reading fee. Founded 1989.

Playmarket

PO Box 9767 Wellington 6141

PO Box 5034, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141

email info@playmarket.org.nz

website www.playmarket.org.nz

Director Murray Lynch

Playwrights’ agent, advisor and bookshop. Representation, licensing and script development of New Zealand plays and playwrights. Currently licences over 400 productions of New Zealand plays each year, in New Zealand and around the world. Founded 1973.

Total Fiction Services

PO Box 6292 Dunedin North, Dunedin 9059

email tfs@elseware.co.nz

website www.elseware.co.nz

General fiction, non-fiction, children’s books. No poetry, or individual short stories or articles. Enquiries from New Zealand authors only. Email queries but no attachments. Hard copy preferred. No reading fee. Also offers assessment reports, mentoring and courses.

USA

*Member of the Association of Authors’ Representatives

The Axelrod Agency*

55 Main Street, PO Box 357, Chatham, NY 12037

tel +1 518-392-2100

email steve@axelrodagency.com

email lori@axelrodagency.com

President Steven Axelrod, Foreign Rights Director Lori Antonson

Full-length MSS. Fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%), film and TV rights (15%); will suggest revision where appropriate. Works with overseas agents. No reading fee. Founded 1983.

The Bent Agency*

19 West 21st Street, #201, New York, NY 10010, USA

email info@thebentagency.com

website www.thebentagency.com

Agents Jenny Bent, Nicola Barr, Victoria Cappello, Gemma Cooper, Heather Flaherty, Louise Fury, Molly Ker Hawn, Sarah Manning, Rachel Horowitz

Represents a diverse range of genres including history, humour, lifestyle, inspiration, memoir, literary fiction, children’s and commercial fiction. Only accepts email queries. See website for detailed query and submission guidelines.

Georges Borchardt Inc.*

136 East 57th Street, New York, NY 10022

tel +1 212-753-5785

website www.gbagency.com

Directors Georges Borchardt, Anne Borchardt, Valerie Borchardt

Full-length and short MSS (home/British/performance 15%, translations 20%). Agents in most foreign countries. No unsolicited MSS. No reading fee. Founded 1967.

Bradford Literary Agency

5694 Mission Center Road, Suite 347, San Diego, CA 92108

email queries@bradfordlit.com

website www.bradfordlit.com

Currently looking for fiction (romance, speculative fiction, women’s, sci fi/fantasy, mystery, thrillers, historical, magical realism, children’s and YA) and non-fiction (relationships, biography, memoir, self-help, lifestyle, business, parenting, narrative humour, pop culture, illustrated/graphic design, food and cooking, mind/body/spirit, history and social issues). Not currently looking for poetry, screenplays, short stories, westerns, horror, New Age, religion, crafts or gift books. Query by email only. For detailed submission guidelines, see website. No reading fee.

Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents Inc.*

1501 Broadway, Suite 2310, New York, NY 10036

tel + 1 212-840-5760

website www.brandthochman.com

Contact Gail Hochman

Full-length and short MSS (home 15%, overseas 20%), performance rights (15%). No reading fee.

Barbara Braun Associates Inc.*

7 East 14th Street. 19F, New York, NY 10003, USA

email bbasubmissions@gmail.com

website www.barbarabraunagency.com

President Barbara Braun

Represents literary and commercial fiction and serious non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%). Does not represent poetry, science fiction, fantasy, horror or screenplays. Send queries by email. See website for full submission guidelines.

Browne & Miller Literary Associates*

52 Village Place, Hinsdale, IL 60521

tel + 1 312-922-3063

email mail@browneandmiller.com

website www.browneandmiller.com

Contact Danielle Egan-Miller

General adult fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%). Works in conjunction with foreign agents. Will suggest revision; no reading fee. Founded 1971.

Maria Carvainis Agency Inc.*

Rockefeller Center, 1270 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2915, New York, NY 10020

tel + 1 212-245-6365

email mca@mariacarvainisagency.com

website www.mariacarvainisagency.com

President & Literary Agent Maria Carvainis

Adult fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%). All categories of fiction (except science fiction and fantasy), especially literary and mainstream; mystery, thrillers and suspense; historical; young adult and middle grade. Non-fiction: biography and memoir, health and women’s issues, business, finance, psychology, popular science, popular culture. No reading fee. See website for full submission guidelines.

Frances Collin Literary Agency*

PO Box 33, Wayne, PA 19087-0033

email queries@francescollin.com

website www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/slyyake

website www.francescollin.com

Owner Frances Collin, Agent Sarah Yake

Home 15%, overseas 20%, performance rights 20%. Specialisations of interest to UK writers: literary fiction, mysteries, women’s fiction, history, biography, science fiction, fantasy. No screenplays. No reading fee. No unsolicited MSS. Query via email only. Query letter in the body of the email with the first five pages of the manuscript pasted in the message, no attachments. Works in conjunction with agents worldwide. Founded 1948; successor to Marie Rodell-Frances Collin Literary Agency.

Don Congdon Associates Inc.*

110 William Street, Suite 2202, New York, NY 10038

tel +1 212-645-1229

email dca@doncongdon.com

website www.doncongdon.com

Agents Michael Congdon, Susan Ramer, Cristina Concepcion, Maura Kye-Casella, Katie Grimm, Katie Kotchman

Full-length and short MSS. General fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%, performance rights 15%). Works with co-agents overseas. No reading fee but no unsolicited MSS – query first with sase (no IRCs) or email for reply. Does not accept phone calls from querying authors. Founded 1983.

The Doe Coover Agency*

PO Box 668, Winchester, MA 01890

tel +1 781-721-6000

email info@doecooveragency.com

website www.doecooveragency.com

Specialises in non-fiction: business, history, popular science, biography, social issues, cooking, food writing, gardening; also literary and commercial fiction (home 15%, overseas 10%). No poetry or screenplays. Email queries only; see website for submission guidelines. Founded 1985.

Richard Curtis Associates Inc.

200 East 72nd Street, Suite 28J, New York, NY 10021

tel +1 212-772-7363

website www.curtisagency.com

President Richard Curtis

All types of commercial non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 25%, film/TV 15%). Foreign rights handled by Baror International. Founded 1970.

Curtis Brown Ltd*

10 Astor Place, New York, NY 10003

tel +1 212-473-5400

email info@cbltd.com

website www.curtisbrown.com

Twitter @CurtisBrownLtd

Ceo Timothy Knowlton, President Peter Ginsberg (at CA branch office); Contacts Noah Ballard, Tess Callero, Ginger Clark, Katherine Fausset, Jonathan Lyons, Laura Blake Peterson (Vice President), Mitchell Waters, Film & TV rights Holly Frederick, Kerry D’Agostino, Steven Salpeter, Translation rights Jonathan Lyons and Sarah Perillo

Fiction and non-fiction, juvenile (see Agent page on website as not all agents handle juvenile), film and TV rights. No unsolicited MSS. See individual agent’s entry on the Agents page of the website for specific query and submission information. No reading fee; no handling fees. Founded 1914.

Liza Dawson Associates

121 West 27th Street, Suite 1201, New York, NY 10001

website www.lizadawsonassociates.com

Twitter @LizaDawsonAssoc Ceo Liza Dawson

A full-service agency which draws on expertise as former publishers. Fiction and non-fiction. See website for full details of genres represented, submission guidelines and email contacts.

DeFiore and Company*

47 East 19th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10003

email info@dfliterary.com

website www.defliterary.com

Fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%). See website for submission guidelines. Founded 1999.

Sandra Dijkstra & Associates*

PMB 515, 1155 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014

tel +1 858-755-3115

website www.dijkstraagency.com

Contacts Sandra Dijkstra, Elise Capron, Jill Marr, Roz Foster, Thao Le, Andrea Cavallaro, Jessica Watterson, Suzy Evans, Jennifer Kim

Fiction: literary, contemporary, women’s, romance, suspense, thrillers and science fiction. Non-fiction: narrative, history, business, psychology, self-help, science and memoir/biography (home 15%, overseas 20%). Works in conjunction with foreign and film agents. Email submissions only. Please see website for the most up-to-date guidelines. No reading fee. Founded 1981.

Donadio & Olson Inc.*

121 West 27th Street, Suite 704, New York, NY 10001

tel + 1 212-691-8077

email mail@donadio.com

website www.donadio.com

Contacts Edward Hibbert, Neil Olson, Darin Webb

Literary fiction and non-fiction.

Dunham Literary, Inc.*

110 William Street, Suite 2202, New York, NY 10038–3901

email dunhamlit@gmail.com

website www.dunhamlit.com

Contact Jennie Dunham, Bridget Smith

Literary fiction and non-fiction, children’s books (home 15%, overseas 20%). Send query by post or to query@dunhamlit.com. No reading fee. Founded 2000.

Dunow, Carlson & Lerner*

27 West 20th Street, Suite 1107, New York, NY 10011

email mail@dclagency.com

website www.dclagency.com

Represents literary and commercial fiction, a wide range of non-fiction and children’s literature for all ages. Queries should be made by post (include sase) or email (no attachments).

Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC*

1 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003

tel +1 212-627-9100

website www.dystel.com

Contacts Jane D. Dystel, Miriam Goderich, Michael Bourret, Jim McCarthy, Lauren Abramo, Stacey Glick, Jessica Papin, John Rudolph, Sharon Pelletier, Eric Myers, Mike Hoogland, Erin Young, Amy Bishop, Kemi Faderin

General fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 19%, film/TV/radio 15%): literary and commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction, self-help, cookbooks, parenting, science fiction/fantasy, children’s and young adults. Send a query letter with a synopsis and up to 50pp of sample MS. Will accept email queries. No reading fee. Will suggest revision. Founded 1994.

The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency*

155 Suffolk Street, Suite 2R, New York, NY 10002

tel +1 212-431-4554

email agent@ethanellenberg.com

website www.ethanellenberg.com

President & Agent Ethan Ellenberg, Senior Agent Evan Gregory, Associate Agent Bibi Lewis

Fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%). Commercial fiction: science fiction, fantasy, romance, thrillers, suspense, mysteries, children’s and general fiction; also literary fiction with a strong narrative. Non-fiction: history, adventure, true crime, science, biography. Children’s fiction: interested in young adult, middle grade and younger, of all types. Will consider picture books and other illustrated works. No scholarly works, poetry, short stories or screenplays.

Will accept unsolicited MSS and seriously consider all submissions, including first-time writers. For fiction submit synopsis and first three chapters. For non-fiction send a proposal (outline, sample material, author cv, etc). For children’s works send complete MS. Illustrators should send a representative selection of colour copies (no original artwork). Unable to return any material from overseas. See website for full submission guidelines. Founded 1983.

Diana Finch Literary Agency*

116 West 23rd Street, Suite 500, New York, NY 10011

tel +1 917-544-4470

email diana.finch@verizon.net

website http://dianafinchliteraryagency.blogspot.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/DianaFinchLitAg

Twitter @DianaFinch

Owner and Agent Diana Finch

Memoirs, narrative non-fiction, science, history, environment, business, literary fiction, science fiction and fantasy, YA fiction (domestic 15%, foreign 20%). No reading fee. Queries through website (preferred) or by email. No queries by telephone.

Clients include Noliwe Rooks, Azadeh Moaveni, Antonia Juhasz, Loretta Napoleoni, Owen Matthews, Greg Palast, Thaisa Frank, Eric Simons, Thomas Goltz, Mark Schapiro, Joanna Russ (estate), Christopher Leonard, Robert Marion MD. Recent sales to W.W. Norton, Farrar, Straus & Giroux, Beacon Press, The New Press, Island Press. Previously agent with Ellen Levine Literary Agency. Founded 2003.

FinePrint Literary Management*

207 West 106th Street, Ste 1D, New York, NY 10025 firstname@fineprintlit.com

website www.fineprintlit.com

Ceo Peter Rubie, Agents Laura Wood, Lauren Bieker, June Clark

Represents fiction and non-fiction. Each agent has specific genre interests; these are detailed on the website. Query by email to the appropriate agent, including a query letter, synopsis and first two chapters but do not send any attachments without an invitation to do so.

Folio Literary Management*

The Film Center Building, 630 9th Avenue, Suite 1101, New York, NY 10036

website www.foliolit.com

Represents both first-time and established authors. Seeks upmarket adult fiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction that features fresh voices and/or memorable characters, narrative non-fiction. Folio Jr is devoted exclusively to representing children’s book authors and artists. Consult agents’ submission guidelines on the website before making contact.

Jeanne Fredericks Literary Agency Inc.*

221 Benedict Hill Road, New Canaan, CT 06840

tel +1 203-972-3011

email jeanne.fredericks@gmail.com

website www.jeannefredericks.com

Quality non-fiction, especially health, science, women’s issues, gardening, antiques and decorative arts, biography, cookbooks, popular reference, business, natural history (home 15%, overseas 20%). No reading fee. Query first by email or mail, enclosing sase. Member of Authors Guild and AAR. Founded 1997.

Samuel French, Inc.

235 Park Avenue South, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10003

tel +1 866-598-8449

email info@samuelfrench.com

website www.samuelfrench.com

Play publishers; authors’ representatives. No reading fee.

Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency

tel +1 212-362-9277

email submissions@sarahjanefreymann.com

website www.sarahjanefreymann.com

Contacts Sarah Jane Freymann, Steven Schwartz, Katherine Sands, Jessica Sinsheimer

Book-length fiction and general non-fiction. Special interest in serious non-fiction, mainstream commercial fiction, contemporary women’s fiction, Latino American, Asian American, African American fiction and non-fiction, all children’s books. Non-fiction: women’s issues, biography, health/fitness, psychology, self-help, spiritual, natural science, cookbooks, pop culture. No reading fee. See website for detailed submission guidelines. Founded 1974.

The Friedrich Agency*

email mfriedrich@friedrichagency.com

email lcarson@friedrichagency.com

email kwolf@friedrichagency.com

website www.friedrichagency.com

Agents Molly Friedrich, Lucy Carson, Kent Wolf

Represents literary and commercial fiction for adults and YA, plus narrative non-fiction and memoir. Accepts queries by email and post. Query only one agent. No unsolicited MSS. No attachments to query emails unless invited. See website for detailed submission guidelines.

Gelfman Schneider ICM Partners*

850 Seventh Avenue, Suite 903, New York, NY 10019

tel +1 212-245-1993

email mail@gelfmanschneider.com

Directors Jane Gelfman, Deborah Schneider

General adult fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%). No reading fee. Send sase for return of material. Query by post only. Works in conjunction with ICM Partners and Curtis Brown, London.

Global Lion Intellectual Property Management, Inc.

PO Box 669238, Pompano Beach, FL 33066

tel +1 754-222-6948

email peter@globallionmgt.com

website www.globallionmanagement.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/GlobalLionManagement/

Twitter @AbundantLion

President/Ceo Peter Miller

Peter Miller has been a literary and film manager for several decades and is President and CEO of Global Lion Intellectual Property Management Inc. (previously PMA Literary & Film Management Inc. of New York). He has represented more than 1,200 books, including over 20 New York Times bestsellers.

Global Lion specialises in non-fiction and commercial fiction including thrillers and true crime, as well as books with film, TV, or global publishing potential as Global Lion works in conjunction with agents worldwide. Authors and clients include Sir Ken Robinson, Jean Pierre Isbouts, Rabbi Mordecai Schreiber, Anthony DeStefano. Initial submissions should include a synopsis, author biography, manuscript sample and details of personal social media and self-promotion.

Barry Goldblatt Literary LLC*

320 Seventh Avenue, #266, Brooklyn, New York, NY 11215

tel + 1 718-832-8787

email query@bgliterary.com

website www.bgliterary.com

Contact Barry Goldblatt

Represents young adult and middle-grade fiction, as well as adult science fiction and fantasy. No non-fiction. Has a preference for quirky, offbeat work. Query only. See website for full submission guidelines.

Frances Goldin Literary Agency*

214 West 29th Street, Suite 410, New York, NY 10001

tel + 1 212-777-0047

email agency@goldinlit.com

website www.goldinlit.com

Agents Frances Goldin, Ellen Geiger, Matt McGowan, Sam Stoloff, Ria Julien, Caroline Eisenmann

Fiction (literary and high-quality commercial) and non-fiction. See website for submission guidelines. Founded 1977.

Sanford J. Greenburger Associates Inc.*

55 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003

tel + 1 212-206-5600

website www.greenburger.com

Contacts Heide Lange, Faith Hamlin, Daniel Mandel, Matt Bialer, Brenda Bowen, Stephanie Delman, Ed Maxwell

Fiction and non-fiction, film and TV rights. See website for submission guidelines. No reading fee.

The Joy Harris Literary Agency Inc.*

1501 Broadway, Suite 2310, New York, NY 10036

tel + 1 212-924-6269

email contact@joyharrisliterary.com

website www.joyharrisliterary.com

President Joy Harris

Represents works of literary fiction and non-fiction. Does not currently accept poetry, screenplays, genre fiction or self-help submissions. Submissions should be emailed, comprising a query letter, an outline or sample letter to submissions@joyharrisliterary.com. See website for detailed submission guidelines.

John Hawkins & Associates Inc.*

80 Maiden Lane, Suite 1503, New York, NY 10038

tel +1 212-807-7040

email jha@jhalit.com

website www.jhalit.com

Agents Moses Cardona (President), Warren Frazier, Anne Hawkins

Fiction, non-fiction, young adult. No reading fee. Founded 1893.

The Jeff Herman Agency LLC

PO Box 1522, Stockblidge, MA 01262

tel +1 413-298-0077

email jeff@jeffherman.com

website www.jeffherman.com

Business, reference, popular psychology, technology, health, spirituality, general non-fiction (home/overseas 15%); will suggest revision where appropriate. Works with overseas agents. No reading fee. Founded 1986.

Hill Nadell Literary Agency

6442 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 201, Los Angeles, CA 90038

tel +1 310-860-9605

email queries@hillnadell.com

website www.hillnadell.com

Agents Bonnie Nadell, Dara Hyde

Full-length fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%). Send query letter initially with first chapter. If you would like your materials returned, include adequate postage. Due to the high volume of submissions the agency receives, a response to all emailed queries cannot be guaranteed. Works in conjunction with agents in Scandinavia, France, Germany, Holland, Japan, Spain and more. No reading fee. Founded 1979.

ICM Partners*

65 East 55th Street, New York, NY 10022

tel +1 212-556-5600

London office 5th Floor, 28–29 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4SP

tel 020-7393 4400

website www.icmpartners.com

No unsolicited MSS.

InkWell Management

521 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10175

tel +1 212-922-3500

email info@inkwellmanagement.com

email submissions@inkwellmanagement.com

website www.inkwellmanagement.com

Twitter @inkwellmgmt

Fiction and non-fiction (home/overseas 15%). See website for submission guidelines. Founded 2004.

JABberwocky Literary Agency Inc

49 West 5th Street, #12N, New York, NY 10036-4603

website www.awfulagent.com

President Joshua Bilmes

Agency specialising in science fiction and fantasy. There are five acquiring agents; for their individual submission and query guidelines, visit the website. Founded 1994.

Janklow & Nesbit Associates

285 Madison, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10017

tel + 1 212-421-1700

email info@janklow.com

website www.janklowandnesbit.com

Chairmen Morton L. Janklow, Lynn Nesbit

Commercial and literary fiction and non-fiction. No unsolicited MSS. Works in conjunction with Janklow & Nesbit (UK) Ltd. Founded 1989.

Keller Media Inc.

578 Washington Boulevard, No. 745, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

website www.kellermedia.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/KellerMediaInc

Twitter @KellerMediaInc

Ceo/Senior Agent Wendy Keller, Agent Megan Close Zavala

Non-fiction for adults: business (all types), self-improvement, pop culture, pop psychology, parenting, relationships, wellness, health and non-traditional health, management, career, entrepreneurship, business, personal finance, science, nature, history, and ecology/green movement. Autobiographies considered only by well-known people. No children’s books, young adult, fiction, poetry, memoirs, screenplays or illustrated books. To submit a query, see www.kellermedia.com/query/. Founded 1989.

Virginia Kidd Agency Inc.

538 East Hartford Street, PO Box 278, Milford, PA 18337

tel +1 570-296-6205

website www.vk-agency.com

Fiction, specialising in science fiction and fantasy (home 15%, overseas 20–25%). Send synopsis (1–3pp), cover letter and sase. Founded 1965.

Harvey Klinger Inc.*

queries@harveyklinger.com

website www.harveyklinger.com

Twitter @HKLiterary

Agents Harvey Klinger, David Dunton, Andrea Somberg, Wendy Levinson, Rachel Ridout

Commercial and literary adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction – serious narrative through to self-help psychology books by authors who have already established strong credentials in their respective field. (Home 15%, overseas 25%). See website for submission guidelines and submission form. Founded 1977.

The Knight Agency*

website www.knightagency.net

Represents both first-time and established authors across a wide range of genres. For the genre interests of individual agents and detailed submission guidelines, see website. All queries should be made by email. Queries must be addressed to a specific agent, with no attachments.

kt literary*

9249 S. Broadway 200–543, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

tel +1 720-344-4728

email contact@ktliterary.com

website www.ktliterary.com

Contact Kate Schafer Testerman, Sara Megibow, Hannah Fergesen

Primarily middle-grade and young adult fiction. No picture books. In adult, also seeking romance, science fiction, fantasy and erotica (Sara Megibow and Hannah Fergesen). Email a query letter and the first three pages of manuscript in the body of the email (no attachments) as per website instructions. No snail mail.

Clients include Maureen Johnson, Stephanie Perkins, Matthew Cody, Ellen Booraem, Trish Doller, Amy Spalding, Roni Loren, Tiffany Reisz, Stefan Bachmann, Jason Hough. Founded 2008.

Susanna Lea Associates

331 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011

tel +1 646-638-1435

email ny@susannalea.com

website www.susannalea.com

General fiction and non-fiction with international appeal. No plays, screenplays or poetry. Send query letter, brief synopsis, the first three chapters and/or proposal via website. Established in Paris 2000, New York 2004, London 2008.

Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency*

307 Seventh Avenue, Suite 2407, New York, NY 10001

email submit@lgrliterary.com

website www.lgrliterary.com

Represents literary and commercial fiction and non-fiction across a diverse range of genres. Refer to the How to Submit section of the website before querying or submitting work.

Julia Lord Literary Management*

38 West Ninth Street, New York, NY 10011

email query@julialordliterarymgt.com

website www.julialordliterarymgt.com

Contacts Julia Lord, Ginger Curwen

Currently looking for submissions in the following genres: narrative non-fiction, reference, biography, history, lifestyle, sports, humour, science, adventure, general fiction, historical fiction, YA fiction, thrillers, mysteries. Email and postal queries accepted. See website for detailed query and submission guidelines.

Donald Maass Literary Agency*

Suite 252, 1000 Dean Street, Brooklyn, NY 11238

tel + 1 212-727-8383

email info@maassagency.com

website www.maassagency.com

Agents Donald Maass, Jennifer Jackson, Cameron McClure, Katie Shea Boutillier, Michael Curry, Caitlin McDonald, Paul Stevens, Jennifer Goloboy, Kiana Nguyen

Specialises in fiction, all genres (home 15%, overseas 20%). See website for submission guidelines. Founded 1980.

Margret McBride Literary Agency*

PO Box 9128, La Jolla, CA 92038

tel +1 858-454-1550

email mmla@mcbridelit.com

website www.mcbrideliterary.com

President Margret McBride

Business, mainstream fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 25%). No poetry or children’s books. No reading fee. See website for submission guidelines. Founded 1981.

McIntosh & Otis Inc.*

353 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016

tel + 1 212-687-7400

email info@mcintoshandotis.com

website www.mcintoshandotis.com

Agents Eugene H. Winick, Elizabeth Winick Rubinstein, Adam Muhlig, Christa Heschke

Adult and children’s literary fiction and non-fiction. No unsolicited MSS; query first via email, see website for instructions. No reading fee. Founded 1928.

MacKenzie Wolf*

email queries@mwlit.com

website www.mwlit.com

Contact Gillian MacKenzie

A full service literary agency and legal consulting company. To submit a project send a query letter along with a 50-page writing sample (for fiction) or a detailed proposal (for non-fiction) to queries@mwlit.com. Samples may be submitted as an attachment or embedded in the body of an email. Does not accept mailed queries. Does not represent screenplays.

Carol Mann Agency*

55 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003

tel + 1 212-206-5635

email submissions@carolmannagency.com

website www.carolmannagency.com

Twitter @carolmannagency

Associates Carol Mann, Laura Yorke, Gareth Esersky, Myrsini Stephanides, Joanne Wyckoff, Tom Miller

Psychology, popular history, biography, pop culture, health, advice/relationships, current affairs/politics, parenting, business, memoir, humour, science, general non-fiction, fiction, YA, middle grade (home 15%, overseas 20%). Works in conjunction with foreign and film agents. Submission guidelines: fiction, send a query and the first 25 pages; non-fiction, send a query, synopsis/proposal and the first 25 pages. Founded 1977.

The Evan Marshall Agency*

1 Pacio Court, Roseland, NJ 07068-1121

tel +1 973-287-6216

email evan@evanmarshallagency.com

website www.evanmarshallagency.com

President Evan Marshall

General fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%). Works in conjunction with overseas agents. Will suggest revision; no reading fee. To query: in body of email include query letter, first three chapters and synopsis of entire novel. Founded 1987.

Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency Inc.*

216 East 75th Street, Suite 1E, New York, NY 10021

tel +1 212-794-1082

email jvnla@jvnla.com

website www.jvnla.com

President Jennifer Weltz, Agents Alice Tasman, Ariana Philips

Mainstream commercial and literary fiction, non-fiction (narrative, memoir, journalism, psychology, history, pop culture, humour and cookbooks), young readers (picture, middle grade, young adult). Home 15%, overseas 20%. Works in conjunction with foreign agents. Submit queries via form on website. No reading fee. Founded 1978.

Harold Ober Associates Inc.*

425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017

tel +1 212-759-8600

website www.haroldober.com

Full-length MSS (home 15%, UK/overseas 20%), performance rights (15%). No screenplays or playscripts. No email or fax queries; see website for submission instructions. No reading fee. Founded 1929.

Alison Picard, Literary Agent

PO Box 2000, Cotuit, MA 02635

tel +1 508-477-7192

email ajpicard@aol.com

Adult fiction and non-fiction, children’s and young adult (15%). No short stories, poetry, plays, screenplays or sci-fi/fantasy. Please send query via email (no attachments). No reading fee. Founded 1985.

Pippin Properties Inc.

110 West 40th Street, Suite 1704, New York, NY 10018, USA

tel +1 212-338-9310

email info@pippinproperties.com

website www.pippinproperties.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/pippinproperties

Twitter @LovethePippins

Contact Holly McGhee, Elena Giovinazzo, Sara Crowe, Larissa Helena, Ashley Valentine

Exclusively children’s book authors and artists (home 15%, overseas 25%), from picture books to middle-grade and young adult novels. Query by email. Founded 1998.

Rees Literary Agency*

14 Beacon Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02108

email lorin@reesagency.com

website www.reesagency.com

Agents Ann Collette, Lorin Rees, Rebecca Podos

Business books, self-help, biography, autobiography, political, literary fiction, memoirs, history, current affairs (home 15%). No reading fee. Submit query letter with sase. Founded 1982.

The Angela Rinaldi Literary Agency*

email info@rinaldiliterary.com

website www.rinaldiliterary.com

President Angela Rinaldi

Mainstream and literary adult fiction; non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 25%). No reading fee. Founded 1994.

Susan Schulman Literary Agency LLC*

454 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036

tel +1 212-713-1633

email susan@schulmanagency.com

website www.schulmanagency.com

Agents for negotiation in all markets (with co-agents) of fiction and general non-fiction, children’s books, academic and professional works, and associated subsidiary rights including plays, television and film (home 15%, UK 7.5%, overseas 20%). No reading fee. Return postage required. Email enquiries to queries@schulmanagency.com.

Scott Meredith Literary Agency

125 Park Avenue, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10017

email info@scottmeredith.com

website www.scottmeredith.com

President Arthur Klebanoff

General fiction and non-fiction. Founded 1946.

Philip G. Spitzer Literary Agency, Inc.*

50 Talmage Farm Lane, East Hampton, NY 11937

tel +1 631-329-3650

email lukas.ortiz@spitzeragency.com

website www.spitzeragency.com

Agents Philip Spitzer, Anne-Lise Spitzer, Lukas Ortiz, Office Kim Lombardini

General fiction and non-fiction; specialises in mystery/suspense, sports, politics, biography, social issues.

The Strothman Agency*

email info@strothmanagency.com

website www.strothmanagency.com

Twitter @strothmanagency

Specialises in history, science, narrative journalism, nature and the environment, current affairs, narrative non-fiction, business and economics, YA fiction and non-fiction, middle grade fiction and non-fiction. Only accepts electronic submissions. Query by email to strothmanagency@gmail.com but first see website for detailed submission guidelines.

Emma Sweeney Agency*

245 East 80th Street, Suite 7E, New York, NY 10075-0506

email queries@emmasweeneyagency.com

website www.emmasweeneyagency.com

Specialises in general fiction, historical fiction and narrative non-fiction including memoir, history, science and religion. Only accepts electronic queries. Query by email with a description of plot/proposal and a brief cover letter containing how you heard about the agency, previous writing credits and a few details about yourself. Do not send attachments unless requested; instead, paste the first ten pages of your novel/proposal into the text of your query email.

Trident Media Group

41 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010

tel +1 212-333-1511

email info@tridentmediagroup.com

website www.tridentmediagroup.com

Full-length MSS: see website for genres represented (home 15%, overseas 20%); in conjunction with co-agents, theatre, films, TV (15%). Will suggest revision. See website for submission guidelines.

Watkins/Loomis Agency Inc.

PO Box 20925, Park West Finance Station, New York, NY 10025

website www.watkin-sloomis.squarespace.com

President Gloria Loomis

Fiction and non-fiction. No unsolicited MSS. Representatives Abner Stein (UK), The Marsh Agency Ltd (foreign).

Waverly Place Literary Agency

125 Court Street, #3nD, New York, NY 11201

email waverlyplaceliterary@aol.com

website www.waverlyplaceliterary.com

Twitter @WaverlyPlaceLit Agent Deborah Carter

Fiction and non-fiction (home 15%, overseas 20%). Special interests: literary novels and short story collections with popular appeal, mysteries/thrillers, espionage fiction/non-fiction, historical fiction, literary narrative non-fiction, memoirs and biography about extraordinary people and experiences, travel, history, pop culture, music, the arts, fashion, nostalgia, antiques and anything not mentioned here that authors feel would be of interest to the agent; and children’s fiction/non-fiction. Particularly interested in multicultural fiction for adults and children, debut novels with characters in their 20s and 30s, and older titles that may have a second life as reprints in the US. No category fiction romance, chick lit, science fiction, fantasy, horror; or in fiction or non-fiction with religious/spiritual subject matter, gratuitous violence, a sentimental outlook, stories of victimhood or illness. Queries by email only with no attachments. If no response within two weeks, query again.

WME

11 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10010

tel + 1 212-586-5100

website www.wmeentertainment.com

Writers House LLC*

21 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10010

tel +1 212-685-2400

website www.writershouse.com

Fiction and non-fiction, including all rights; film and TV rights. See website for submission guidelines and contact details for agents. Founded 1974.

The Wylie Agency Inc.

250 West 57th Street, Suite 2114, New York, NY 10107

tel +1 212-246-0069

email mail@wylieagency.com

website www.wylieagency.com

Literary fiction/non-fiction. No unsolicited MSS accepted. London office: the Wylie Agency UK Ltd, 17 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3JA.

Zachary Schuster Harmsworth

website www.zshliterary.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/zshliterary

Twitter @ZSHliterary

A full-service literary agency representing literary, commercial and inspirational fiction, memoirs, biography, history, science, narrative non-fiction and prescriptive books in the areas of business, health, relationships, religion/spirituality, food and wine, fitness, parenting and general psychology. See website for full submission and agent details.