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Fantasy Literary Agents UK – Top Literary Agents

Fantasy Literary Agents UK

Just writing the perfect fantasy story can’t get you anywhere unless you have the right literary agent. These professionals are your negotiators to get your book the right publishing deals. But finding one in the sea of other literary agents in the UK can be quite stressful. Do not stress. 

We’ve curated a complete directory of the top fantasy literary agents in the UK that are currently accepting submissions. Additionally, to help you ease your journey, we have provided the best tips for making a query letter and the mistakes you want to avoid to ensure your work gets noticed. Let’s get your manuscript into the right hands!

15 Fantasy Literary Agents in the UK Currently Accepting Submissions

1. John Jarrold

Location: London, UK

Preferred Contact Method: Email submissions

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror

Previous Clients: Christopher Evans, Curtis Jobling, T.R. Napper

Website: John Jarrold Literary Agency

Notes: Specializes in adult fantasy and science fiction, representing over forty authors.

2. Phillipa Milnes-Smith

Location: London, UK

Preferred Contact Method: Online submission form

Genres: Children’s Fiction, including Fantasy and Science Fiction

Previous Clients: Chris Riddell, Philip Reeve, Niamh Sharkey

Website: The Soho Agency

Notes: Focuses on children’s fiction with a broad range of genres, including fantasy and science fiction.

3. Jamie Cowen

Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Preferred Contact Method: Email submissions

Genres: Genre Fiction, including Fantasy and Science Fiction

Previous Clients: Tendai Huchu, Adrian Selby, Nate Crowley

Website: The Ampersand Agency

Notes: Open to a wide range of genre fiction, with a particular interest in speculative fiction.

4. David Godwin

Location: London, UK

Preferred Contact Method: Email submissions

Genres: Various, including Fantasy and Science Fiction

Previous Clients: Samantha Shannon

Website: David Godwin Associates

Notes: Represents a diverse range of genres, with notable clients in speculative fiction.

5. Ian Drury

Location: London, UK

Preferred Contact Method: Email submissions

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Thriller

Previous Clients: Mark Lawrence, Anna Smith-Spark, James Wilde

Website: Sheil Land Associates

Notes: Interested in manuscripts across a broad audience, including speculative fiction.

6. Molly Ker Hawn

Location: London, UK

Preferred Contact Method: QueryManager submissions

Genres: Young Adult, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Previous Clients: Hilary McKay, Matt Killeen, Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, Alwyn Hamilton, Heidi Heilig

Website: The Bent Agency

Notes: Focuses on children’s and young adult fiction, with a strong interest in fantasy.

7. Peter Straus

Location: London, UK

Preferred Contact Method: Email submissions

Genres: Literary Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Previous Clients: Kazuo Ishiguro, Colm Tóibín, Kate Atkinson

Website: RCW Literary Agency

Notes: Represents a range of genres, including literary and speculative fiction.

8. Veronique Baxter

Location: London, UK

Preferred Contact Method: Email submissions

Genres: Crime Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult, Children’s Book, Middle Grade, Diverse Fiction, Fantasy

Previous Clients: Diana Wynne Jones, Richard Adams, Nick Butterworth, Jonathan Stroud, Alix Nathan

Website: David Higham Literary Agency

Notes: Interested in a wide range of genres, with notable clients in fantasy literature.

9. Karolina Sutton

Location: London, UK

Preferred Contact Method: Email submissions

Genres: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Thriller, Fantasy

Previous Clients: Margaret Atwood, Bernardine Evaristo, Tara Westover, Malala Yousafzai, Anthony Doerr

Website: Creative Artists Agency

Notes: Represents a diverse clientele, including authors of speculative fiction.

10. Meg Davis

Location: London, UK

Preferred Contact Method: Email submissions

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Thriller

Previous Clients: Charles Stross, David Wingrove

Website: Ki Agency

Notes: Advocates for unique voices in speculative fiction and genre-crossing manuscripts.

11. Euan Thorneycroft

Location: London, UK

Preferred Contact Method: Email submissions

Genres: Crime, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Previous Clients: Claire North, Terry Brooks

Website: AM Heath Literary Agency

Notes: Enjoys manuscripts that combine gripping narratives with exceptional character development.

12. Caroline Walsh

Location: London, UK

Preferred Contact Method: Email submissions

Genres: Children’s Books, YA Fantasy

Previous Clients: Francesca Simon, Cressida Cowell

Website: David Higham Literary Agency

Notes: Specialises in representing engaging children’s literature with fantastical elements.

13. Susan Armstrong

Location: London, UK

Preferred Contact Method: Email submissions

Genres: Literary Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Previous Clients: Josiah Bancroft, Emma Newman

Website: C&W Agency

Notes: Focuses on character-driven stories within fantastical settings.

14. Julia Silk

Location: London, UK

Preferred Contact Method: Email submissions

Genres: Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Previous Clients: Natasha Pulley

Website: MBA Literary Agents

Notes: Interested in stories with strong narrative voices and immersive worlds.

15. Alice Williams

Location: London, UK

Preferred Contact Method: Online submissions

Genres: Children’s Books, YA Fantasy

Previous Clients: Sue Hendra, Paul Linnet

Website: Alice Williams Literary Agency

Notes: Actively seek out imaginative tales for younger audiences.

10 Things to Make Sure of to Write the Perfect Query Letter

If there’s one thing that makes a literary agent sit up and take notice, it’s a well-crafted query letter. It’s your first line of contact with the literary agent. For those seeking fantasy literary agents in the UK, getting the query letter right is absolutely vital. Here’s a guide to what will truly make your query letter stand out from the competition:

1. Open With a Unique, Irresistible Hook

Agents receive dozens of queries every day, and a bland opening is a fast track to the rejection pile. Start with a one-liner that encapsulates the core of your story in a way that’s gripping and memorable. Consider opening with your protagonist’s central conflict or a high-stakes scenario that immediately sets your manuscript apart.

2. Demonstrate Market Awareness

Show the agent you understand where your book fits in the market. Mention comparable titles or authors, but keep it relevant. For instance, “My novel will appeal to fans of Tasha Suri’s intricate world-building and Naomi Novik’s lyrical prose” conveys not only your book’s style but your knowledge of the industry.

3. Tailor Your Pitch to the Agent’s Interests

Every agent has specific genres or tropes they’re drawn to. Use their recent sales or client list as a guide and highlight how your work aligns with their preferences. “Given your passion for folklore-inspired fantasy, I believe my manuscript, which reimagines Celtic mythology, would be an excellent fit.”

4. Provide a Distinctive Authorial Voice

Your letter is an opportunity to showcase your writing skills. Ensure your tone reflects the voice and style of your manuscript. If your story is light and witty, your letter can echo that. If it’s dark and introspective, let that seep through your phrasing.

5. Add a High-Concept Element

What makes your story unique? Whether it’s a never-seen-before magic system or a bold twist on traditional fantasy tropes, spotlight the feature that distinguishes your manuscript from the crowd. But again, you don’t have to come up with original ideas, as they’re becoming less and less common. Keep it honest if that’s the case. But it doesn’t sound like you copied and pasted the setting of any other fantasy world.

6. Showcase Thoughtful World-Building

Fantasy thrives on immersive worlds, and agents are eager to discover fresh and engaging settings. Briefly hint at your world’s most intriguing aspects without overwhelming the letter. “Set in a realm where the sun never sets, my story explores the societal collapse caused by perpetual daylight.”

7. Offer a Compelling Character Focus

Characters are the heart of every story. Highlight your protagonists in a way that makes them unforgettable. Instead of vague traits, emphasize specifics: “Ava, a morally conflicted healer, must choose between her oath to save lives and her secret allegiance to a rebel faction.”

8. Embed Subtle Confidence

Confidence sells. Avoid phrases like “I think you might like this” or “I hope this is suitable.” Instead, assert your belief in your work: “I am thrilled to share my novel, which I believe will resonate with readers who love intricately layered fantasy tales.”

9. Mention Relevant Research or Expertise

If your story draws on unique research or experiences, bring that to the forefront. For example, “My background as a historian specializing in medieval warfare informs the intricate battles and political intrigue in my narrative.”

10. Craft a Memorable Closing Line

End on a note that leaves an impression, whether it’s a striking quote from your manuscript, an intriguing question, or a call to action. “What would you sacrifice to rewrite fate? I’d love the chance to share my full manuscript and explore this question with you.”

7 Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make in Your Literary Agent Query Letter

Crafting the perfect query letter is a high-stakes game, especially when you’re trying to catch the eye of Fantasy Literary Agents UK. But even the best ideas can get lost in the shuffle if they’re paired with easily avoidable missteps. Here are seven common mistakes that can sink your query before it sets sail:

1. Forgetting the “Why” Behind Your Story

Agents want to know what drives your passion for this story. Simply presenting the plot is not enough; you need to convey why this story matters to you and why it will resonate with readers. Skipping this makes your pitch feel impersonal and generic.

2. Overloading with Backstory

While your novel might have a rich history, your query letter is not the place for an extended lore dump. Focus on the here-and-now of your protagonist’s journey. Save the intricate world-building details for the manuscript itself.

3. Using a Passive Voice

A query letter should radiate energy and urgency, but a passive voice can sap its impact. Instead of “The story is about a young hero who learns…” try “A young hero must learn…” Active voice keeps your pitch dynamic and engaging.

4. Downplaying Stakes

If there are no stakes, there’s no story. Ensure your query emphasizes the consequences of your protagonist’s actions or inactions. The bigger and more personal the stakes, the more compelling your pitch will be.

5. Making It All About “Themes”

While themes can be a vital part of your story, they’re not the hook. Avoid waxing poetic about the overarching message without giving the agent a clear sense of the actual plot. Let the themes shine through the premise instead.

6. Ignoring the “Readability Factor”

Your query letter is your first writing sample. If it’s riddled with jargon, clunky sentences, or confusing structure, it raises red flags about the quality of your manuscript. Always prioritize clarity and readability.

7. Trying Too Hard to Impress

Overloading your letter with hyperbolic statements like “This will be the next Harry Potter” or “This book will change the fantasy genre forever” can come across as overconfident and out of touch. Let your story’s strengths speak for themselves without resorting to exaggeration.

Final Note

Choosing the right agent is about more than just sending out queries; it’s about finding someone who believes in your story as much as you do. These fantasy literary agents UK represent some of the brightest talents and are actively seeking manuscripts like yours. By tailoring your query letter and understanding what they’re looking for, you’re setting yourself up for success. Take the time to research, refine, and reach out—your next chapter starts here.

FAQ

What does a literary agent do for fantasy authors?

A literary agent helps fantasy authors by pitching their manuscripts to publishers, negotiating contracts, and providing guidance throughout the publishing process.

How do I know if an agent is right for my manuscript?

Research their client list, recent sales, and submission preferences. Look for agents who have a successful track record in representing fantasy authors.

Should I query multiple agents at once?

Yes, but always personalize each query and notify agents if another shows interest in your manuscript.

What should I include in my query letter?

Your query should include a hook, a brief summary of your story, your credentials, and why you’re querying that specific agent.

How long does it take for agents to respond?

Response times vary, but most agents take 4-12 weeks. Always check their submission guidelines for specific timelines.

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