If you're a writer in the UK seeking representation, finding the right literary agent can be a crucial step toward getting published. The following list showcases some of the top literary agencies in Britain, each known for their unique strengths and specialties. Whether you're working on fiction, non-fiction, or children's literature, there's an agent here who could help you take your career to the next level.

Key Takeaways

• Research each agency carefully to find the best fit for your work.
• Follow submission guidelines to increase your chances of success.
• Consider the genres each agent represents before sending your query.
• Personalise your query letter to stand out from the crowd.
• Be patient and persistent; finding the right agent can take time.

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 reputation for helping both new and established authors achieve success. The agency is known for its global outreach, representing a diverse range of authors from various genres.

Key Features:

• Established in 2012
• Focus on adult fiction, non-fiction, young adult, and children’s books
• Not accepting poetry or scripts

Genres Represented:

• Crime Fiction
• Psychological Suspense
• Young Adult Fiction
• Crossover Fiction
• Children’s Books
• Memoir and Narrative Non-Fiction

Submission Guidelines:

If you are an aspiring author, you can submit your work to the agent that best fits your genre. Make sure to read their profiles carefully to find the right match. Queries should be sent via email.

"Madeleine Milburn has launched the careers of many bestselling authors, making it a top choice for writers."

Contact Information:

• Location: London, UK
• Preferred Contact Method: Email submissions only

This agency is committed to nurturing talent and helping authors navigate the complex world of publishing. If you think you have a story to tell, consider reaching out to them!

2. Darley Anderson Literary Agency

Darley Anderson is a dynamic literary agency located in London. Established in 1988, they focus on commercial fiction, covering genres like crime, thrillers, comedy, horror, women’s fiction, fantasy, and young adult fiction. The agency has represented some of the highest-paid authors globally, including Lee Child and Martina Cole.

Submission Guidelines

The Darley Anderson team is currently open to submissions. However, 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.

Response Time

Due to the high volume of submissions, it may take up to eight weeks for agents to respond.

Notable Authors Represented

The Darley Anderson Literary Agency is known for building strong author brands and has a dedicated team for film and translation rights.

3. JULA

JULA is a literary agency based in London, founded by Jo Unwin, who has built a strong reputation since 2008. The agency focuses on representing authors from the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. They accept a variety of genres, including both fiction and non-fiction, as well as young adult and children’s books. However, they do not consider screenplays or poetry.

Key Features of JULA:

• Location: London, UK
• Genres:
  • Fiction
  • Non-Fiction
  • Young Adult
  • Children’s Books
• Notable Clients:
  • Chris Morris
  • Noel Fielding
  • Richard Ayoade

Services Offered:

• Representation for TV and film rights
• Translation rights

JULA is known for its commitment to nurturing new talent and helping authors navigate the complex world of publishing.

If you are an aspiring author, consider reaching out to see if your work aligns with their interests. JULA is a great choice for those looking to break into the literary scene!

4. Blake Friedmann

Blake Friedmann is a London literary agency that represents authors and scriptwriters for film, TV, and stage. Founded in 1982, this agency has a strong reputation for working with award-winning authors and achieving international success.

Genres

Blake Friedmann is open to submissions in various genres, including:

• Commercial Fiction
• Crime Fiction
• Literary Fiction
• Thriller
• Women’s Fiction
• Nonfiction
• Narrative Nonfiction

Submission Guidelines

If you are interested in submitting your work, here are the steps to follow:

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

Note: They do not accept submissions for children’s, YA, or fantasy genres.

Contact Information

For inquiries, you can reach out via email at [email protected]

5. Janklow & Nesbit

Janklow & Nesbit is a prominent literary agency that has been operating since 1973. With offices in both London and New York, they are recognised as one of the largest and most respected agencies in the world. Their team represents a wide range of authors, including some of the most successful names in literature.

Key Features:

• Established in 1973
• Offices in London and New York
• Represents both fiction and non-fiction authors

Notable Authors:

Some of the renowned authors they have represented include:

• Joan Didion
• Jeffrey Eugenides
• Thomas Harris
• Anne Rice
• Danielle Steel

Janklow & Nesbit is known for its strong relationships with publishers, ensuring that their authors receive the best possible representation.

Submission Guidelines:

If you are interested in submitting your work, it’s important to follow their specific guidelines. They are currently open for submissions, and you can find detailed instructions on their website. Make sure to tailor your submission to fit their requirements for the best chance of success.

In summary, Janklow & Nesbit stands out as a leading agency in the literary world, offering extensive support and representation for both new and established authors.

6. Johnny Geller

Johnny Geller is a prominent literary agent and the CEO of Curtis Brown Group. He has a diverse portfolio, representing a variety of authors, including novelists, memoirists, and even former Prime Ministers. Geller has received accolades such as the Literary Agent of the Year and was named one of the 100 Most Connected Men in Britain by GQ in 2015.

Genres Represented

Geller is open to a wide range of genres, including:

• Fiction
• Commercial Fiction
• Fantasy
• Historical Fiction
• Literary Fiction
• Mystery
• Science Fiction
• Thriller
• Women’s Fiction
• Nonfiction
• Memoir
• Narrative Nonfiction
• Politics

Notable Clients

Some of the notable authors he has represented include:

• John le Carré
• David Mitchell
• Susanna Clarke
• Sacha Baron Cohen
• Nelson Mandela

Johnny Geller is known for his personal approach, focusing on building strong relationships with his authors. He believes that a good agent should be a partner in the creative journey.

For those looking to submit their work, Geller encourages authors to research and tailor their queries to fit his agency's guidelines. His insights on writing can be invaluable for aspiring authors seeking representation.

7. Felicity Blunt

Felicity Blunt began her career as a barrister before moving into the literary world. She joined Curtis Brown and has since represented many bestselling authors, including Danielle Steel in the UK. Her interests in nonfiction mainly focus on cookery and narrative nonfiction, especially topics related to women's experiences.

Submission Guidelines

For authors looking to submit their work, here are the key points to remember:

• Fiction: Send the first three chapters or up to 10,000 words, along with a synopsis and a brief biography.
• Nonfiction: A detailed proposal is required.

Genres of Interest

Felicity is open to a variety of genres, including:

• Fiction
• Crime Fiction
• Historical Fiction
• Literary Fiction
• Science Fiction
• Thriller
• Young Adult
• Food Writing

Felicity believes that if a book is truly brilliant, it will find its audience. This perspective drives her passion for discovering new talent and unique stories.

Contact Information

• Email: [email protected]

Felicity Blunt's diverse background and keen eye for quality make her a notable figure in the literary agency landscape.

8. Eve White Literary Agency

Founded in 2003, the Eve White Literary Agency is a boutique agency located in London. They represent a variety of authors, including those who write literary fiction, commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. Eve White, the agency’s founder, is a member of both the Crime Writers’ Association and the Association of Authors’ Agents. Notably, she was shortlisted for the British Book Awards’ Literary Agent of the Year in 2017 and the BIA’s Literary Agent of the Year in 2015.

Recent Titles

The agency has worked on several exciting titles, including:

• Sneaky Beak by Tracey Corderoy
• Dilly the Donkey by Elli Woollard
• Chains of Sand by Jemma Wayne

Submission Guidelines

Eve White Literary Agency is currently open for submissions. They welcome both fiction and non-fiction works, but they are not considering picture books at this time. If you wish to submit your work, make sure to follow their guidelines carefully.

Important Note: If you have any questions, you can reach out to them through their online contact form.

Awards and Recognition

One of the agency's notable achievements includes the recent success of Zero Days, a New York Times-bestselling thriller by Ruth Ware, which has been shortlisted for the 2024 Best International Crime Fiction Ned Kelly Award. This highlights the agency's commitment to representing high-quality literature and successful authors.

9. Andrew Lownie Literary Agency

Established in 1988, the Andrew Lownie Literary Agency is a prominent literary agency located in London. It is known for its boutique approach, representing a wide variety of works, including notable titles like The Oxford Classical Dictionary and The Cambridge Guide to Literature in English.

Key Features:

• Diverse Representation: The agency covers a range of genres, primarily focusing on non-fiction.
• Open for Submissions: Currently, they are accepting submissions from both established and new authors, particularly in non-fiction.
• Experienced Leadership: Founded by Andrew Lownie, who has been recognised multiple times for his contributions to the industry.

Submission Guidelines:

• Format: Submissions can be sent via email or through their online contact form.
• Genres Accepted: Non-fiction works are preferred, but they are open to various topics.

The Andrew Lownie Literary Agency prides itself on its personalised approach, ensuring that each author receives tailored support throughout their publishing journey.

10. Aitken Alexander Associates

Founded in 1976 by Gillon Aitken, Aitken Alexander Associates is a prominent literary agency based in London. The agency is known for representing a diverse range of authors, including those in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Currently, Clare Alexander leads the agency, having joined in 1998.

Submission Guidelines

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 Interest

The agents at Aitken Alexander Associates have various specialisations. Here are some key areas:

• Fiction
• Narrative Non-Fiction
• Poetry

"I joined Aitken Alexander Associates in 2024 after over a decade at David Higham Associates. I represent fiction, narrative non-fiction, and poetry." - Harriet Moore

The agency is currently open for submissions, so if you have a manuscript that fits their criteria, consider reaching out!

11. Hardman & Swainson

Hardman & Swainson is a literary agency located in London, established in 2012. They focus on representing authors at various stages of their careers, including those who are yet to be published. Their expertise lies in both literary and commercial fiction, as well as non-fiction, middle grade, and young adult books. However, they do not accept poetry, screenplays, or scripts.

Genres They Represent

• Adult Fiction
• Non-Fiction
• Middle Grade
• Young Adult

Some notable titles they represent include:

• Perfect Crime by Helen Fields
• Daughters of War by Lizzie Page
• The Lost Sister by Tracy Buchanan
• When the Curtain Falls by Carrie Hope Fletcher

Hardman & Swainson is always on the lookout for new talent, making it a great opportunity for aspiring authors.

If you are interested in submitting your work, be sure to check their submission guidelines for more details on how to proceed. They are dedicated to helping authors find their voice and reach a wider audience.

12. 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 literary agents who are open to submissions across various genres, including scriptwriting, but they do not accept poetry or textbooks.

Key Focus Areas

• International Potential: The agency seeks writers who have the potential to reach audiences worldwide.
• Multiple Mediums: They are interested in works that can be adapted into different formats.

Submission Guidelines

If you are considering submitting your work, here are some important points to remember:

1. Check the agent profiles to find the best match for your writing.
2. Prepare a cover letter and the first few chapters of your manuscript.
3. Follow the specific submission guidelines provided on their website.

Notable Team Member

• Eleanor Lawlor: Eleanor joined the Soho Agency in 2021 and assists both Rowan Lawton and Philippa Milnes-Smith with their lists, ranging across commercial women's fiction.

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

13. MMB Creative

MMB Creative is a London-based talent agency that combines three specialist agencies, including a literary agency focused on stage and screen writers. This mid-sized team consists of two principal agents who are dedicated to discovering new talent, particularly from the UK and Ireland. Recently, they have expanded their search to include writers from East and Southeast Asia, although they are not currently accepting submissions from the US, Australia, or Continental Europe.

Genres Accepted

MMB Creative is open to a variety of genres, including:

• Fiction
• Children's
• Crime/Police
• Erotica
• Fantasy
• General Fiction
• Historical
• Horror
• Literary Fiction

However, they are not accepting submissions for Young Adult and Children's books at this time. For a complete list of genres they are currently considering, it’s best to check their submission page, as this can change frequently.

MMB Creative also handles foreign rights and TV/film rights, making them a versatile choice for writers looking to expand their reach.

In summary, MMB Creative is a promising agency for authors seeking representation in various genres, especially those who fit their specific criteria. They are committed to nurturing new talent and helping them navigate the literary landscape.

14. CW Literary Agency

CW Literary Agency is a well-known literary agency based in London, part of the Curtis Brown Group. This agency has a strong connection to the Film and TV industry, which is a great advantage for authors. They have a dedicated agent who focuses on turning books into films, working closely with other agents to secure options for writers.

Founded in 2000, CW Literary Agency has a large team of agents who are open to submissions for various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, young adult, and children’s books. However, they do not accept picture books, poetry, or scripts. If you’re interested in submitting your work, it’s best to check their guidelines for specific details.

Key Features of CW Literary Agency:

• Established in 2000
• Focus on both fiction and non-fiction
• Accepts submissions for young adult and children’s literature
• Does not accept picture books or poetry

CW Literary Agency is dedicated to helping authors reach their full potential in the literary world, making it a great choice for aspiring writers.

For those looking to break into the industry, CW Literary Agency offers a unique opportunity to connect with the film and television sectors, enhancing the chances of getting noticed. Notable authors represented include Matt Haig, known for his bestsellers like Notes on a Nervous Planet and Reasons to Stay Alive.

In summary, if you are an author seeking representation, CW Literary Agency could be a valuable partner in your literary journey.

15. Gemma Cooper

Gemma Cooper is a prominent literary agent at The Bent Agency in London. She became a director in 2020 and focuses on representing authors in the Children’s, Middle Grade, and Young Adult genres. Gemma is known for her upbeat personality and her passion for stories that have the potential for dramatic adaptations.

Genres of Interest

• Graphic Novels
• Young Adult Fiction
• Children’s Books
• Middle Grade Fiction

Previous Clients

Gemma has successfully represented several authors, including:

• B.B. Alston
• Derek Bacon
• Ruth Fitzgerald
• Shirley Marr

Submission Guidelines

If you wish to submit your work to Gemma, please follow these steps:

1. Prepare your query letter.
2. Submit your query via email.
3. Wait for a response, which may take some time due to high submission volumes.

Gemma is particularly excited about stories that resonate with young readers and have strong character development.

In summary, Gemma Cooper is a dedicated agent who is always on the lookout for fresh and engaging narratives that can captivate young audiences. Her enthusiasm for storytelling makes her a valuable ally for aspiring authors.

16. Victoria Hobbs

Victoria Hobbs is a literary agent at A.M. Heath. She describes her reading taste as omnivorous, meaning she enjoys a wide variety of genres. Her client list includes authors from both fiction and nonfiction backgrounds, showcasing her diverse interests.

Genres of Interest

• Fiction
• Nonfiction
• Children’s Literature
• Young Adult

Submission Guidelines

For authors looking to submit their work, Victoria prefers:

1. The first three chapters or 10,000 words of the manuscript.
2. A brief synopsis.
3. A short biographical note about the author.

Notable Clientele

Victoria has worked with a range of authors, from emerging talents to established names, always on the lookout for fresh voices and compelling narratives.

Victoria aims to discover stories that offer something new, whether in style or perspective. Her goal is to find works that resonate with readers and stand out in the market.

17. Juliet Mushens

Juliet Mushens is a prominent literary agent at Mushens Entertainment. She has been recognised multiple times, being shortlisted for Literary Agent of the Year four times. In 2021, she was named one of the 150 most influential people in publishing by The Bookseller.

What She Looks For

Juliet is on the lookout for:

• Crime
• Thriller
• Psychological novels
• Reading group fiction
• Gothic novels
• Historical fiction
• Science fiction and fantasy (SFF)

Her clients include bestselling authors like Jessie Burton and Richard Osman, showcasing her ability to spot talent.

Submission Process

If you want to submit your work to Juliet, you can do so by emailing submissions@mushens-entertainment.com. Make sure your submission stands out, as she often receives many queries.

"This unique masterclass with leading agent Juliet Mushens will demystify the process and reveal what it takes to make your submission stand out from the slush."

Juliet seeks stories with high concept hooks, beautiful writing, and plots that keep readers turning the pages. Books that can evoke strong emotions are particularly appealing to her.

Notable Achievements

Juliet Mushens is a key figure in the literary world, and her expertise can help aspiring authors navigate the complex journey of getting published.

18. Molly Ker Hawn

Molly Ker Hawn has been a part of the Bent Agency since 2012 and now leads their London office. She collaborates with authors from various countries and sells their works to publishers in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Her focus is primarily on literary fiction, but she appreciates books that blend literary and commercial elements.

Genres of Interest

• Middle Grade
• Young Adult (YA)
• Graphic Novels
• Nonfiction for ages 8–18

Molly is particularly keen on stories that resonate with young readers and offer unique perspectives. She enjoys working with authors who have a strong voice and compelling narratives.

Submission Guidelines

For authors looking to submit their work, Molly prefers:

1. A query letter outlining the project.
2. The first three chapters or up to 10,000 words of the manuscript.
3. A brief synopsis and a short bio.

"Molly is known for her supportive approach, helping authors refine their manuscripts to meet industry standards."

Notable Clients

Molly has represented several successful authors, including:

• Hilary McKay
• Matt Killeen
• Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
• Alwyn Hamilton
• Heidi Heilig

Her diverse client list showcases her ability to spot talent across various genres, making her a sought-after agent in the literary world.

19. RCW

RCW is a well-respected literary agency known for its diverse range of authors and genres. They are particularly keen on discovering new talent and represent a variety of fiction and non-fiction works. The agency is open to submissions from both established and emerging writers, making it a great choice for those looking to break into the industry.

What RCW Looks For

• Fiction: They are interested in commercial, literary, and genre fiction, including thrillers and crime.
• Non-Fiction: RCW also seeks serious non-fiction that tackles important issues or tells compelling stories.
• Children’s Books: They are on the lookout for engaging children’s literature, especially those that resonate with young readers.

Submission Guidelines

To submit your work to RCW, follow these steps:

1. Prepare your manuscript according to their guidelines.
2. Send your submission via email to the designated address.
3. Wait for a response, as they aim to reply within a few weeks.

RCW prides itself on its commitment to nurturing new voices in literature. They believe that every story deserves to be heard, and they work closely with their authors to help them succeed in the competitive publishing landscape.

In summary, if you are looking for top literary agents for children's books, RCW is a fantastic option to consider. They are dedicated to finding unique stories and helping authors achieve their dreams.

20. MBA

MBA is a leading literary agency based in London, specifically in Fitzrovia, and has been around for over 50 years. They represent writers across various media, including film, TV, radio, and theatre. This agency has built strong connections with industry professionals not just in the UK, but also in countries like America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Key Features of MBA:

• Established: Over 50 years
• Location: London, Fitzrovia
• Specialties: Literary and script representation
• International Reach: Connections in multiple countries

MBA is known for its diverse team of agents, each with unique backgrounds and interests, making it easier for writers to find the right fit for their work.

Submission Guidelines:

• Check individual agent profiles for specific interests.
• They accept both fiction and non-fiction submissions.
• Scripts for various media are also welcome.

In summary, MBA is a prominent choice for writers looking to navigate the literary world with a supportive and experienced team.

21. Robertson Murray

Robertson Murray is a well-known literary agency that has been part of the Arlington Talent Agency since the 1970s. They focus on building strong relationships with their authors and have a diverse range of clients. Although they are not currently accepting new submissions, it’s worth keeping an eye on them for future opportunities.

Book Clients

Here are some notable authors represented by Robertson Murray:

• Alan Bissett
• Alex Michaelides
• Andrew Hunter Murray
• Andy West
• Anne Enright
• Ashanti Lewis
• Bernard MacLaverty
• Christopher Reid
• David Baddiel

The agency is known for its commitment to nurturing talent and helping authors achieve their goals.

While they are not open for submissions at the moment, it’s advisable to check back regularly for updates. Their reputation in the industry makes them a significant player in the literary world.

22. The Bent Agency

The Bent Agency is a well-respected literary agency based in London, known for its diverse range of genres. They focus on nurturing new talent and have a strong reputation for representing both established and emerging authors.

Key Agents

• Gemma Cooper: Specialises in graphic novels, young adult, and children's books.
• Molly Ker Hawn: Focuses on middle grade, YA, and graphic novels.

Submission Guidelines

The agency is currently open for submissions. Here’s what they are looking for:

• Fiction: All genres, especially those with unique voices.
• Non-Fiction: Fresh and engaging topics.

Notable Clients

The Bent Agency is committed to finding exciting new voices in literature, making it a great choice for aspiring authors.

23. The Agency

The Agency is a dynamic literary management agency located in London. Founded in 2018 by three friends, Jason Bartholomew, Jessica Killingley, and James Spackman, it has quickly made a name for itself in the literary world. They focus on nurturing new talent and helping authors achieve their goals.

Key Features:

• Location: London
• Founded: 2018
• Founders: Jason Bartholomew, Jessica Killingley, James Spackman

Submission Guidelines:

The Agency is currently open for submissions. They are particularly interested in:

• Fiction (all genres)
• Non-fiction (especially unique perspectives)
• Young Adult and Children’s literature

Notable Authors:

The Agency has represented a variety of authors, showcasing a diverse range of voices and stories. They are committed to finding and promoting new talent in the literary scene.

The Agency believes in the power of storytelling and aims to connect authors with the right readers.

For aspiring writers, this agency offers a supportive environment to develop and share their work. Their focus on new writers makes them a great choice for those looking to break into the industry.

24. The Literary Consultancy

The Literary Consultancy is a unique agency that focuses on helping writers improve their work before they submit it to publishers. They offer a range of services including manuscript assessments, editorial feedback, and writing courses. This agency is particularly known for its commitment to nurturing new talent.

Services Offered

• Manuscript Assessments: Detailed feedback on your writing.
• Editorial Services: Help with structure, style, and clarity.
• Writing Courses: Workshops to enhance your skills.

Showcase of Talent

The Literary Consultancy is excited to be working on an innovative showcase for its writing talent, initially in association with Staple Magazine. This initiative aims to highlight the diverse voices of emerging writers.

The Literary Consultancy believes that every writer has a story worth telling, and they strive to help authors find their unique voice.

In summary, if you're looking for guidance and support in your writing journey, The Literary Consultancy is a great place to start. They are dedicated to helping authors succeed in the competitive world of publishing.

25. The Good Literary Agency and more

The Good Literary Agency is a unique social enterprise agency based in Bristol. It focuses on supporting under-represented writers from various backgrounds, including those of colour, disability, LGBTQ+, and working-class authors. This agency aims to provide a platform for voices that often go unheard in the literary world.

Key Features:

• Diverse Representation: The agency prioritises authors from under-represented groups.
• Supportive Environment: They offer guidance and resources to help authors navigate the publishing landscape.
• Community Focus: The agency fosters a sense of community among its writers, encouraging collaboration and networking.

Submission Guidelines:

If you're interested in submitting your work, here are some steps to follow:

1. Prepare Your Manuscript: Ensure it meets the agency's guidelines.
2. Write a Cover Letter: Introduce yourself and your work.
3. Submit via Email: Send your materials to the designated email address.

The Good Literary Agency believes that every story deserves to be told, and they work tirelessly to make that happen.

In summary, if you are an author looking for representation, especially if you belong to an under-represented group, The Good Literary Agency could be a great fit for you. They are committed to helping writers succeed in their literary careers.

Final Thoughts on Finding the Right Literary Agent

In conclusion, choosing the right literary agent is a crucial step for any author looking to publish their work. The agents listed in this article represent some of the best in the UK, each with their own unique strengths and areas of expertise. It’s important to do your homework and find an agent who aligns with your writing style and genre. Remember, a good agent can not only help you secure a publishing deal but also guide you throughout your writing career. So take your time, follow the submission guidelines, and best of luck in 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. They connect writers with publishers and negotiate contracts.

How do I find a literary agent?

You can look online for lists of literary agents. Check their websites to see what types of books they represent and how to submit your work.

What should I include in my query letter?

Your query letter should have a short introduction about you, a summary of your book, and why you think the agent would be a good fit.

How long does it take to hear back from an agent?

It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Be patient, as agents often receive many submissions.

Can I submit to multiple agents at the same time?

Yes, but make sure to follow each agency's rules. Most agencies ask that you don't submit to more than one agent at their agency at a time.

What happens if an agent is interested in my work?

If an agent likes your work, they will contact you to discuss representation. They may ask for more of your manuscript or have a chat about your writing.