The setting as a character, and why the places in some novels stay with you

Some books leave you with a plot. Others leave you with a place.

You finish the last page and realise what you miss most is not the twist or the romance or even the protagonist. It is the street, the house, the river, the city at dusk. The particular kind of light that only exists in that fictional world.

10 UK literary agents currently open to literary fiction submissions (2026)

Literary fiction remains one of the most competitive categories in UK publishing. It is also one of the most subjective.

Agents looking for literary fiction are often seeking voice, depth, originality, and emotional intelligence. Plot still matters, but prose and perspective matter more.

10 UK literary agents looking for commercial fiction (2026 guide)

Commercial fiction is one of the most competitive areas of the UK publishing market. It is also one of the most dynamic.

If you’re writing crime, thrillers, historical sagas, book club fiction, high-concept women’s fiction or plot-driven contemporary novels, you’re likely writing commercial fiction. And the good news is this: there are UK literary agents actively seeking it.

10 UK literary agents currently open to women’s fiction submissions (2026)

Women’s fiction continues to dominate the commercial fiction market in the UK.

Often centred on women’s lives, relationships, identity, family, career and transformation, women’s fiction can range from light and uplifting to emotionally layered and complex. It may include romance, but the romantic relationship is not always the sole focus.

The two Kate Atkinson books we should talk about much more

There are books that arrive with a chorus of approval already attached to them. You can hear the noise before you even turn the first page: prize longlists, ecstatic reviews, the familiar phrases about brilliance and urgency and importance. 

Then there are books that are quietly absorbed into the background of contemporary fiction, admired, recommended now and then, occasionally pressed into a friend’s hands, but rarely given the full, sustained conversation they deserve.

Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life and A God in Ruins belong to the second category, which feels faintly absurd when you consider what they actually do, and how good they are. 

10 UK literary agents currently open to Young Adult (YA) fiction submissions (2026)

Young Adult fiction remains one of the most dynamic areas of the UK publishing market.

From contemporary issue-led novels to fantasy, dystopian, romance and thriller hybrids, YA continues to evolve alongside its readership. Agents looking for YA are often seeking authentic teen voice, emotional immediacy and strong narrative momentum.

When books become screen dreams: adaptations that make us reread

There is a particular moment that happens when a beloved book is announced for adaptation.

Excitement flickers. Then dread. Then the quiet, possessive thought: please do not ruin this.

10 UK literary agents currently open to science fiction submissions (2026)

Science fiction continues to evolve. From climate fiction and dystopian futures to space opera and near-future speculative thrillers, UK agents are actively seeking bold new voices in the genre.

If you’re writing adult science fiction, these UK literary agents are currently open to submissions and looking for speculative manuscripts.

10 UK literary agents currently open to romance fiction submissions (2026)

Romance fiction remains one of the most commercially powerful genres in publishing.

From contemporary romantic comedies to historical love stories and emotionally layered relationship dramas, romance readers are loyal, vocal and constantly searching for their next obsession.

What’s on my radar: when a cover makes me preorder

There is a very particular thrill to a cover reveal. I know there is for me. It is such a delicious moment. 

It is not the algorithmic sort of thrill, not the flash-sale urgency of consumer culture, but that quieter jolt. The moment you see a cover and think, I don’t know what this is yet, but I want to live inside it. I admit I do sometimes (not always) judge a book by its cover. I do not feel guilty for doing so.

10 UK literary agents currently open to romantasy fiction submissions (2026)

Romantasy is no longer a niche. It is one of the most commercially powerful genres in publishing right now.

Blending fantasy world-building with central romantic arcs, romantasy thrives on tension, chemistry, high stakes and emotional payoff. Think epic settings, dangerous alliances, morally grey love interests and slow-burn desire.

10 UK literary agents currently open to fantasy fiction submissions (2026)

Fantasy fiction in the UK is thriving. From epic multi-book sagas to intimate myth-inspired standalones, agents are actively seeking bold new voices in the genre.

If you’re writing high fantasy, contemporary fantasy, myth retellings, dark fantasy or speculative crossover fiction, the agents below are currently open to submissions and actively looking for fantasy manuscripts.

20 UK literary agents you can submit your novel to right now

 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.

10 UK literary agents currently open to book club fiction submissions (2026)

Book club fiction sits in that rich middle ground between literary and commercial.

It is character-led but accessible. Emotional but plot-driven. The kind of novel readers press into a friend’s hands and say, “You have to read this.”

If you’re writing contemporary fiction with strong themes, layered relationships and discussion potential, you may be writing book club fiction.

After Lonesome Dove: why Cormac McCarthy’s Border Trilogy is the Western to read next

For many readers, Lonesome Dove is not simply a favourite novel but a defining one. It leaves such an indelible impression. 

It certainly did for me. It arrives with deceptive ease, settles in slowly, and leaves behind the feeling of having lived another life. Its greatness lies not only in its characters, vast landscape and epic scope, but also in its sense of finality. It says what it needs to say, fully and generously.

Which is precisely why it is best left alone.