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.
If you’re writing romance fiction, these UK literary agents are currently open to submissions and actively seeking romantic manuscripts.
As always, confirm individual submission guidelines before querying.
1. Sarah O’Halloran
Agency: The Bent Agency (UK)
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial women’s fiction and contemporary romance with strong emotional stakes and relatable protagonists.
Submission method: Online submission portal.
Tip: Make the romantic conflict clear in your pitch. What keeps them apart?
2. Rob Dinsdale
Agency: The Soho Agency
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Romantic fiction with emotional depth, including historical romance and relationship-driven contemporary stories.
Submission method: Email submission.
Tip: Emotional authenticity is key. Avoid relying solely on trope.
3. Madeleine Milburn
Agency: Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: High-concept commercial fiction, including romantic fiction with strong hooks and international appeal.
Submission method: Online submission form.
Tip: If your romance has book club crossover potential, emphasise that.
4. Hannah Sheppard
Agency: D H H Literary Agency
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial adult fiction including contemporary romance and crossover romantic stories.
Submission method: Email submission.
Tip: Position your book clearly. Is it rom-com, slow-burn, or emotionally intense drama?
5. Nelle Andrew
Agency: Rachel Mills Literary
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Upmarket women’s fiction and romantic fiction with strong character arcs and discussion potential.
Submission method: Email submission.
Tip: Highlight character growth alongside the love story.
6. Caroline Hardman
Agency: Hardman & Swainson
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial fiction including romantic narratives with strong pacing and broad appeal.
Submission method: Email query with sample chapters.
Tip: A dynamic opening scene helps romance stand out in crowded inboxes.
7. Becky Thomas
Agency: Johnson & Alcock
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Voice-led contemporary fiction including romance with themes of identity and belonging.
Submission method: Email individual agent.
Tip: Distinctive voice elevates familiar romance tropes.
8. Kate Evans
Agency: Peters Fraser + Dunlop
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial fiction with strong market awareness, including contemporary romance and women’s fiction.
Submission method: Email submission via PFD guidelines.
Tip: Be clear about target readership. Romance audiences are specific and engaged.
9. Juliet Mushens
Agency: Mushens Entertainment
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial fiction with series potential, including romance and crossover genre fiction.
Submission method: Online or email as per guidelines.
Tip: Mention if your romance has sequel or series scope.
10. Emma Paterson
Agency: Aitken Alexander Associates
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Upmarket and commercial fiction including relationship-driven narratives with emotional complexity.
Submission method: Email submission.
Tip: Romance queries benefit from clarity rather than flourish. Keep the pitch clean and direct.
What romance agents are looking for in 2026
Across the board, UK romance agents prioritise:
Clear romantic stakes
Strong chemistry between protagonists
Emotional payoff
Familiar tropes handled in fresh ways
Market awareness
Romance may be commercially dominant, but it is fiercely competitive. Agents often receive hundreds of romance submissions per month.
Your opening pages must establish voice, tone and tension immediately.
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