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.
If you’re writing women’s fiction, these UK literary agents are currently open to submissions and actively seeking work in this category.
Always check each agency’s website before submitting, as guidelines can change.
1. Sarah O’Halloran
Agency: The Bent Agency (UK)
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial women’s fiction with strong emotional stakes, relatable protagonists and clear narrative drive.
Submission method: Online submission portal.
Tip: Make the central emotional dilemma explicit in your query.
2. Madeleine Milburn
Agency: Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: High-concept women’s fiction with book club appeal, strong female leads and international potential.
Submission method: Online submission form.
Tip: Hooks matter. Position your story clearly within the current market.
3. Nelle Andrew
Agency: Rachel Mills Literary
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Upmarket women’s fiction with emotional depth and discussion themes.
Submission method: Email submission following agency guidelines.
Tip: Emphasise character growth and thematic weight.
4. Caroline Hardman
Agency: Hardman & Swainson
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial fiction including women’s fiction with strong pacing and broad appeal.
Submission method: Email query with sample chapters.
Tip: A compelling opening scene increases your chances.
5. Becky Thomas
Agency: Johnson & Alcock
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Voice-led contemporary women’s fiction exploring identity, belonging and social issues.
Submission method: Email individual agent.
Tip: Distinctive narrative voice can set you apart in a crowded genre.
6. Kate Evans
Agency: Peters Fraser + Dunlop
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial fiction including women’s fiction with clear market positioning.
Submission method: Email submission via PFD guidelines.
Tip: Demonstrate audience awareness in your pitch.
7. Rob Dinsdale
Agency: The Soho Agency
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Emotional contemporary fiction and women’s fiction with strong relationship arcs.
Submission method: Email submission.
Tip: Clarify the emotional journey, not just the premise.
8. Hannah Sheppard
Agency: D H H Literary Agency
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial adult fiction including women’s fiction with strong storytelling and crossover potential.
Submission method: Email submission.
Tip: Position clearly whether your novel leans romantic, book club or purely contemporary.
9. Emma Paterson
Agency: Aitken Alexander Associates
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Upmarket and commercial fiction including women’s fiction with layered character arcs.
Submission method: Email submission.
Tip: Highlight long-term career potential if writing a series or related novels.
10. Juliet Mushens
Agency: Mushens Entertainment
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial fiction with strong hooks, including women’s fiction with series scope.
Submission method: Online or email as per guidelines.
Tip: Clear positioning and strong comps are particularly useful here.
What agents mean by “women’s fiction”
In UK publishing, women’s fiction typically includes:
Stories centred on women’s lives and personal growth
Relationship-driven narratives
Emotional transformation
Themes of family, career, identity or reinvention
Book club crossover appeal
It does not necessarily mean romance, and it does not mean light or fluffy. It is a broad and commercially powerful category.
As with all genres, clarity in your query letter matters. Be explicit about what kind of women’s fiction you are writing and who your ideal reader is.
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