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.
If you’re writing YA fiction, these UK literary agents are currently open to submissions and actively looking for work aimed at a teen audience.
As always, check each agency’s submission guidelines before querying.
1. Hannah Sheppard
Agency: D H H Literary Agency
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: YA fiction across genres including fantasy, contemporary, thriller and crossover. Particularly interested in bold hooks and strong character arcs.
Submission method: Email submission following agency guidelines.
Tip: Make the protagonist’s age clear and ensure the voice feels authentically teenage.
2. Juliet Mushens
Agency: Mushens Entertainment
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial YA with strong series potential, including fantasy, speculative and high-concept contemporary fiction.
Submission method: Online or email as per agency guidelines.
Tip: Highlight the hook early. YA queries benefit from immediate clarity.
3. Sarah O’Halloran
Agency: The Bent Agency (UK)
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: YA romance, contemporary and commercial crossover fiction with emotional stakes.
Submission method: Online portal.
Tip: Show the emotional journey as clearly as the external conflict.
4. Harry Illingworth
Agency: D H H Literary Agency
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: YA speculative fiction including fantasy and science fiction with strong world-building.
Submission method: Email submission.
Tip: Avoid adult tonal drift. Keep the stakes personal and immediate.
5. Becky Thomas
Agency: Johnson & Alcock
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Voice-led YA exploring identity, belonging and contemporary teen experience.
Submission method: Email individual agent.
Tip: Authenticity matters more than trend awareness.
6. Madeleine Milburn
Agency: Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial YA with strong female leads, high stakes and international appeal.
Submission method: Online submission form.
Tip: If your YA has crossover adult potential, clarify that carefully.
7. Millie Hoskins
Agency: United Agents
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: YA fiction with emotional depth, inclusive perspectives and strong narrative drive.
Submission method: Email submission.
Tip: Showcase diversity organically through character, not just premise.
8. Sophie Lambert
Agency: C+W Agency
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Distinctive YA voices and contemporary fiction with cultural nuance.
Submission method: Email submission.
Tip: First-person YA voice needs to feel immediate and unforced.
9. Kate Evans
Agency: Peters Fraser + Dunlop
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial fiction including YA with clear market positioning.
Submission method: Email submission via PFD guidelines.
Tip: Be clear about target age bracket within YA, for example 12–14 or 14+.
10. Caroline Hardman
Agency: Hardman & Swainson
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial fiction, including accessible YA with strong pacing and emotional resonance.
Submission method: Email query with sample chapters.
Tip: YA openings need momentum. Avoid slow set-ups.
What YA agents are looking for in 2026
Across the UK market, YA agents prioritise:
Authentic teen voice
Clear age positioning
Strong emotional stakes
Inclusive and contemporary themes
Tight pacing
YA readers are sharp and quick to disengage. Agents know this. Your first chapter needs to establish voice, conflict and tone immediately.
If you’re unsure whether your novel is YA or adult, revisit the protagonist’s age, narrative voice and thematic focus. Positioning is crucial in this category.
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