Twenty UK literary agents you should know (for literary and commercial fiction)

 Navigating the UK literary agent scene can feel opaque, but it helps to know who’s out there. 

This isn’t a definitive list, but these are twenty respected, active agents known for championing strong literary and commercial fiction.

These agents are all currently active and known for working with debut and established authors across literary and commercial fiction:

1. Clare Alexander – Aitken Alexander Associates: Represents literary fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, and memoir. Known for working with established literary voices and prize-winners.

2. Juliet Mushens – Mushens Entertainment: Open to commercial and genre fiction including thrillers, historical, fantasy, and accessible literary fiction. Represents Sunday Times and NYT bestsellers.

3. Madeleine Milburn – Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency: Particularly strong in psychological thrillers, high-concept women’s fiction, and books with international appeal.

4. Jo Unwin – Jo Unwin Literary Agency: Seeks character-led fiction with wit and emotional depth. Loves stories that explore family, identity, and class with originality.

5. Millie Hoskins – United Agents: Looking for literary and upmarket fiction with vivid prose and emotional resonance. Interested in new perspectives and underrepresented voices.

6. Hannah Sheppard – D H H Literary Agency: Actively looking for YA and crossover fiction, as well as commercial and upmarket adult fiction with strong storytelling.

7. Rachel Conway – Georgina Capel Associates: Represents literary fiction, memoir, and narrative non-fiction. She likes confident, intelligent voices and novels with depth.

8. Caroline Hardman – Hardman & Swainson: Interested in high-concept commercial fiction, crime, and emotionally compelling narratives that appeal to a broad audience.

9. Sophie Lambert – C+W Agency: Represents literary fiction and narrative non-fiction with strong voice and originality. She’s especially drawn to global or cross-cultural narratives.

10. Becky Thomas – Johnson & Alcock: Open to literary fiction and voice-driven narratives. Particularly interested in stories about identity, marginalisation, and belonging.

11. Sarah O’Halloran – The Bent Agency: Keen on commercial women’s fiction, romance, and upmarket fiction with an accessible voice and strong hook.

12. Isobel Dixon – Blake Friedmann: Represents prize-winning and bestselling authors across literary and commercial fiction. Strong interest in fiction from Africa and the Commonwealth.

13. Harry Illingworth – D H H Literary Agency: Passionate about speculative fiction including fantasy and science fiction, along with high-concept thrillers.

14. Nelle Andrew – Rachel Mills Literary: Focuses on book club fiction, upmarket women’s fiction, and intelligent commercial fiction with emotional heart.

15. Lucy Luck – C+W Agency: Strong list in literary and upmarket fiction. Known for long-term author development and nurturing distinctive prose.

16. Kylie Fitzpatrick – The Blair Partnership: Seeking diverse, character-rich commercial and literary fiction. Interested in intersectional themes and contemporary settings.

17. Kate Evans – Peters Fraser + Dunlop: Represents a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, with particular focus on intelligent storytelling and market-aware fiction.

18. Rob Dinsdale – The Soho Agency: Looks for emotional commercial fiction, historical novels with unique angles, and romantic fiction with a modern twist.

19. Emma Paterson – Aitken Alexander Associates: Works across literary and upmarket fiction. Keen on global voices and books that tackle complex inner worlds.

20. Toby Mundy – Toby Mundy Associates: Focuses on narrative non-fiction and literary fiction with wide appeal. Interested in ideas-led work with serious intent.

Each of these agents has a distinct list and preferences. Always consult their agency’s website or MSWL (Manuscript Wish List) profiles for the most up-to-date submission details.