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.
Below are 10 UK literary agents currently open to submissions and actively seeking book club fiction. As always, check individual guidelines before querying.
1. Madeleine Milburn
Agency: Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Book club fiction with strong hooks, emotional stakes and international appeal. Particularly interested in stories centred on complex women, secrets and intergenerational themes.
Submission method: Online form via agency website.
Tip: Emphasise the central emotional dilemma in your pitch.
2. Nelle Andrew
Agency: Rachel Mills Literary
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Upmarket book club fiction with heart, intelligent storytelling and strong female protagonists.
Submission method: Email submission following agency guidelines.
Tip: Highlight discussion themes such as family, morality, identity or social change.
3. Sarah O’Halloran
Agency: The Bent Agency (UK)
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial women’s fiction and book club novels with emotional depth and clear narrative momentum.
Submission method: Online portal.
Tip: Voice and warmth matter here. Make sure your query reflects that.
4. Jo Unwin
Agency: Jo Unwin Literary Agency
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Character-driven contemporary fiction with emotional nuance and social insight.
Submission method: Email submission.
Tip: Book club fiction still needs narrative drive. Make the stakes visible.
5. Becky Thomas
Agency: Johnson & Alcock
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Voice-led upmarket fiction exploring belonging, marginalisation and contemporary identity.
Submission method: Email individual agent.
Tip: Be clear about why your novel will resonate with reading groups.
6. Rob Dinsdale
Agency: The Soho Agency
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Emotional commercial fiction, historical book club fiction and romantic contemporary novels with depth.
Submission method: Email submission.
Tip: If your novel blends romance and family drama, clarify the balance.
7. Millie Hoskins
Agency: United Agents
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Upmarket fiction with emotional resonance and strong prose. Particularly drawn to contemporary settings.
Submission method: Email submission.
Tip: Avoid pitching solely on theme. Show narrative momentum.
8. Hannah Sheppard
Agency: D H H Literary Agency
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Accessible contemporary fiction with strong storytelling and crossover appeal.
Submission method: Email submission.
Tip: Position your book alongside comparable titles without overreaching.
9. Kate Evans
Agency: Peters Fraser + Dunlop
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Commercial and upmarket fiction with strong characters and market awareness.
Submission method: Email submission via PFD guidelines.
Tip: Demonstrate clear audience awareness.
10. Emma Paterson
Agency: Aitken Alexander Associates
Open to submissions: Yes
Looking for: Literary-leaning book club fiction with layered character arcs and emotional complexity.
Submission method: Email submission.
Tip: Make sure your opening chapter signals both depth and readability.
What makes book club fiction stand out?
Agents in this space are looking for:
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Relatable but flawed characters
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Moral or emotional dilemmas
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Themes that spark conversation
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Strong pacing without sacrificing prose
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A satisfying but not simplistic resolution
Book club fiction is often where breakout debuts happen. It is also one of the most crowded lanes in publishing.
Make your hook clear. Make your stakes personal. And make sure your first 10 pages feel polished and purposeful.
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