If you're a writer in the UK looking for a literary agent, it's crucial to find the right fit for your work. This article highlights some of the best literary agencies in the UK, each with its own unique strengths and specialisations. Understanding what these agencies offer can help you make an informed choice when seeking representation for your manuscript.

Key Takeaways

• Research each agency to find the best match for your writing style.
• Check submission guidelines carefully before sending your work.
• Consider the genres each agency represents to increase your chances of acceptance.
• Look for agents who have a track record of success with authors in your genre.
• Be prepared for a wait; some agencies may take weeks to respond.

1. Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency

Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency is a leading literary agency located in the heart of Mayfair, London. Founded in 2012, it has quickly gained a strong reputation for helping both new and established authors. The agency is known for its global outreach, representing a diverse range of authors from various genres.

Key Features:

• Genres Represented:
• Notable Achievements:
• Submission Guidelines:

The agency is committed to nurturing talent and has a dedicated team of agents who are passionate about literature.

In summary, if you are an author looking for representation, Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency could be a great fit for you. They are actively seeking new voices and are open to queries from writers across various genres.

2. Darley Anderson Literary Agency

Darley Anderson is a dynamic literary agency located in London, focusing on various genres of commercial fiction. Established in 1988, they have built a strong reputation for representing bestselling authors, including notable names like Lee Child and Martina Cole.

Specialisations

• Crime and thrillers
• Comedy and horror
• Women’s fiction and fantasy
• Young adult fiction

The agency is currently open for submissions, but they do not accept short stories, poetry, screenplays, or theatre scripts. Each agent has specific guidelines, so it’s essential to check their individual preferences.

Submission Process

1. Review the agent profiles to find the right match for your work.
2. Prepare your manuscript according to the guidelines provided.
3. Submit your work and be patient, as responses may take up to eight weeks.

Darley Anderson is known for building brands and nurturing authors' careers, making it a great choice for aspiring writers.

In summary, if you’re looking for a literary agency that has a proven track record with bestselling authors, Darley Anderson could be the right fit for you.

3. JULA

JULA is a prominent literary agency based in London, founded by Jo Unwin, who has built a strong reputation since 2008. They are dedicated to discovering new talent from the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. JULA represents a variety of genres, including fiction and non-fiction, as well as young adult and children’s books. However, they do not accept screenplays or poetry submissions.

Key Features of JULA

• Diverse Representation: They focus on authors from multiple regions, ensuring a wide range of voices.
• Genre Specialisation: JULA is open to both fiction and non-fiction, catering to various age groups.
• Rights Management: They also handle TV and film rights, along with translation rights, expanding opportunities for their authors.

Submission Guidelines

If you are interested in submitting your work to JULA, consider the following steps:

1. Review their website for specific submission guidelines.
2. Prepare your manuscript according to their requirements.
3. Submit your query via email, ensuring you follow their preferred contact method.

JULA is known for its supportive environment, helping authors navigate the publishing world effectively.

In summary, JULA is an excellent choice for writers looking for a literary agency that values diverse voices and offers comprehensive support in the publishing process. They are particularly interested in authors who are passionate about their craft and eager to make an impact in the literary world. For instance, Fiona Melrose, a novelist known for her work "Midwinter", is represented by JULA, showcasing their commitment to nurturing talent.

4. Blake Friedmann

Blake Friedmann is a London literary agency that represents a diverse range of authors and scriptwriters for film, TV, and stage. Founded in 1982, this agency has built a strong reputation for its commitment to both fiction and non-fiction submissions. They are particularly known for their award-winning authors and international success.

Key Areas of Representation

• Fiction: They accept various genres, excluding children’s and young adult fiction.
• Non-Fiction: They are open to a wide range of topics, focusing on unique and engaging narratives.
• Scriptwriting: Their dedicated media department handles submissions from scriptwriters, covering all aspects of TV programming and theatrical releases.

Submission Guidelines

If you are interested in submitting your work, here are some important points to consider:

1. Check the agent profiles to find the best fit for your work.
2. Prepare a cover letter and a brief synopsis of your manuscript.
3. Include the first 30 pages of your manuscript for consideration.

Blake Friedmann is known for its progressive approach to author representation, ensuring that each client receives tailored support throughout their career.

5. Janklow & Nesbit

Janklow & Nesbit is a leading international literary agency that has been around since 1973. With offices in both London and New York, they represent a wide variety of authors, covering both fiction and non-fiction. Their reputation is built on a strong history of working with some of the most successful writers in the world.

Key Features

• Established Reputation: Known for representing top authors like Joan Didion and Danielle Steel.
• Diverse Representation: They handle a broad range of genres, ensuring a fit for many types of writers.
• Global Reach: Their international offices allow them to connect with publishers worldwide.

Submission Guidelines

If you’re interested in submitting your work, here are some important points to consider:

1. Check the guidelines: Make sure your work fits their criteria.
2. Prepare your materials: Have a polished manuscript and a strong query letter ready.
3. Follow up: If you don’t hear back, a polite follow-up is acceptable after a few months.

Janklow & Nesbit is not just about finding a publisher; they aim to build long-term relationships with their authors, helping them grow in their careers.

6. Hardman & Swainson

Hardman & Swainson is a literary agency based in London, established in 2012 by Caroline Hardman and Joanna Swainson. They focus on representing authors at all stages of their careers, including those who are new to publishing. Their specialities include:

• Adult fiction
• Non-fiction
• Young adult and children’s books

They do not accept poetry or scripts. The agency is known for its international focus, which means they also handle translation rights and film adaptations for their authors.

Current Author List

Here are some notable titles they represent:

Hardman & Swainson is always on the lookout for new talent, so if you think your writing fits their style, consider submitting your work!

7. Eve White Literary Agency

Eve White Literary Agency, established in 2003, is a London-based agency that represents a diverse range of authors. They focus on literary fiction, commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. Eve White, the founder, is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Association of Authors’ Agents. She was nominated for the Literary Agent of the Year award in 2017 and 2015.

Key Features

• Open for Submissions: The agency is currently accepting submissions for both fiction and non-fiction, but they are not considering picture books at this time.
• Quick Response Time: They aim to reply to all submissions within one week, which is quite fast for the industry.
• Recent Titles: Some of their recent publications include:
  • Sneaky Beak by Tracey Corderoy
  • Dilly the Donkey by Elli Woollard
  • Chains of Sand by Jemma Wayne

Submission Guidelines

If you wish to submit your work, here are the steps:

1. Prepare your manuscript according to their guidelines.
2. Send adult submissions to fiction@evewhite.co.uk.
3. For children’s submissions, use childrens@evewhite.co.uk.

The Eve White Literary Agency is known for its efficient communication with authors, ensuring that every submission is read promptly.

In summary, Eve White Literary Agency is a reputable choice for authors looking for representation in various genres, with a commitment to quick responses and a welcoming approach to new clients.

8. Andrew Lownie Literary Agency

Established in 1988, the Andrew Lownie Literary Agency is a prominent agency located in London. It is known for representing a variety of notable works, including The Oxford Classical Dictionary and The Cambridge Guide to Literature in English. The agency's founder, Andrew Lownie, has been nominated several times for the prestigious Agent of the Year award at the British Bookseller Awards.

Key Features

• Open for Submissions: Currently, they are accepting non-fiction works.
• Diverse Clientele: They welcome both seasoned authors and newcomers.
• Submission Process: Interested writers can submit their work via email or through an online form.

Recent News

Stay updated with the latest news on Andrew Lownie and some of his clients. This includes information about new book releases and author achievements.

The Andrew Lownie Literary Agency is a great choice for authors looking to publish non-fiction, as they have a strong reputation in the industry.

9. Aitken Alexander Associates

Founded in 1976 by Gillon Aitken, Aitken Alexander Associates is a prominent literary agency based in London. Currently led by Clare Alexander, who joined in 1998, the agency represents a diverse range of authors in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Each agent has their own special interests, so it’s wise to explore their individual profiles to find the right fit for your work.

Submission Process

If you wish to submit your work to Aitken Alexander Associates, follow these steps:

1. Prepare a cover letter.
2. Include a brief synopsis of your work.
3. Attach the first 30 pages of your manuscript.

Due to the high volume of submissions, they can only respond to queries they are interested in.

Areas of Representation

The agency is open to various genres, including:

• Fiction
• Narrative non-fiction
• Poetry

Aitken Alexander Associates is known for its supportive environment, helping authors navigate the publishing world effectively.

In 2024, Harriet Moore joined the agency after over a decade at David Higham Associates, bringing her expertise in representing fiction, narrative non-fiction, and poetry. This addition highlights the agency's commitment to nurturing talent across different literary forms.

10. The Soho Agency

The Soho Agency is a London-based literary and talent agency that was formed in 2019 by merging two established agencies. They have a diverse team of agents who are open to submissions across various genres, including script writing, but they do not accept poetry or textbooks.

Key Features:

• Wide Genre Acceptance: They welcome submissions from all genres, making it easier for writers to find a fit.
• International Focus: The agency is particularly interested in authors with international potential, aiming to help them reach audiences beyond the UK.
• Multi-Medium Opportunities: They look for writers who want their work to be adapted into different formats, such as film or television.

Notable Agents:

• Eleanor Lawlor: Joined the Soho Agency in 2021, assisting both Rowan Lawton and Philippa Milnes-Smith with their lists, which include commercial women's fiction.

The Soho Agency is dedicated to nurturing new talent and helping authors achieve their dreams in the literary world.

In summary, if you are a writer looking for representation, The Soho Agency could be a great choice due to their broad acceptance of genres and commitment to international outreach.

Final Thoughts on Finding the Right Literary Agent

In conclusion, choosing the right literary agent is a crucial step for any writer looking to publish their work. The UK is home to many talented agents who specialise in various genres, making it essential to find one that aligns with your writing style. Remember to research each agency carefully and follow their submission guidelines to increase your chances of success. Whether you are a seasoned author or just starting out, persistence is key. Keep refining your work and don’t hesitate to reach out to multiple agents. Best of luck on your journey to becoming a published author!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a literary agent?

A literary agent is someone who helps authors get their books published by finding the right publishers for them.

How do I find the right literary agent for my book?

Look for agents who represent books in your genre and check their submission guidelines.

What should I include in my submission to a literary agent?

Typically, you need a cover letter, a short summary of your book, and the first few chapters.

How long does it take to hear back from a literary agent?

It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the agent.

Can I submit my work to multiple agents at the same time?

Yes, but you should not submit to more than one agent at the same agency at the same time.

What happens if an agent wants to represent my book?

If an agent is interested, they will contact you to discuss representation and the next steps.