if you are an author in england, scotland, wales or northern ireland and have written a book for children or teenagers, which you believe has the potential to become a bestseller, find a traditional book publisher at the following step.
You are reading: Literary agents for children’s books 2018
however, traditional publishers do not usually accept unsolicited manuscripts, unlike these UK publishers.
This is where a literary agent can help you by selling your book to a publisher on your behalf and negotiating a decent deal for you.
Keep reading to find out 10 of the best children’s literary agents in the UK.
1. chloe seager
if you have heard of madeleine milburn literary, tv, & film agency, you should look for chloe seager. she is the designated literary agent for children’s literature and projects. Previously, she spent many years managing a similar roster of Northbank talent and identifying up-and-coming writers.
chloe has an excellent list of children’s book authors. For example, one of her clients is Holly Bourne, the incredible mind behind Already Romance, the manifesto on how to be interesting. Similarly, Maisie Chan is a Chinese writer from Glasgow who wrote ladybug tales about superheroes and the forgotten garden.
Currently looking for mid-grade fiction with contemporary, mystery, or magical aspects. Chloe is also open to gothic, romance, or historical novels, and the same goes for motivational nonfiction and humorous fiction for readers of all ages. read more about your preferences and check the shipping guidelines properly.
2. she diamond kahn
ella diamond kahn is one of the co-founders of diamond kahn & woods, which has been in existence since 2012 and is located in north london. Of course, she is already a veteran in the publishing industry and has won awards for her hard work. She was with Andrew Nurnberg Associates for three years and has an MA in Publishing from University College London.
In addition to non-fiction and science fiction for adult readers, she also loves you and children’s fiction. In particular, she would love to represent new writers whose ethnicity, race, or gender deserve more representation in the field.
Some of his clients include Sharon Gosling (The Diamond Thief) and Tom Huddleston (Floodworld). If she wants a fantastic agent and is just starting out in the book business, wait until she’s back to accepting submissions.
3. Julia Churchill
with the help of harmony leung, julia churchill continues to manage a. meter. heath, an agency in holborn, london, with a history dating back to 1919. she has also been the head of her department for almost 10 years and previously honed her representation strategies at the darey anderson agency.
julia represents michelle harrison, the author of award-winning children’s novels like the thirteen treasures and the other alice. In general, she is more than willing to accept both established and new authors, whether they are working on her novels or mid-grade fiction.
Please read the submission guidelines to learn how you can apply for representation. Julia accepts unsolicited submissions from children’s authors regardless of her experience, so don’t be afraid to apply.
4. sophie hicks
With decades of top-tier experience after working at Ed Victor Ltd, Sophie Hicks embarked on a new journey. She launched her eponymous literary agency in 2014 in London and has since assembled an excellent group of acclaimed writers working on children’s literature.
sophie represents internationally recognized children’s book authors such as dosh archer (urgency, emergency!), herbie brennan (fairy wars), and eoin colfer (artemis fowl).
You can always send sophie refreshing projects and books for kids ages 9 and up.
5. louis lamont
louise lamont works for lba books, a london agency that was launched in 2005. specifically, she is one of their five literary agents, representing 36 clients. These include not only children’s book authors, but also acclaimed journalists, actresses, and playwrights.
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Songbirds by eve wersocki morris and elisabeth and the box of colors by katherine woodfine are just two of louise’s clients’ acclaimed children’s titles.
While Louise isn’t currently open to picture book submissions, she’s eager to discover the next best books for kids and teens. in particular, he prefers stories that are entertaining and take readers on an unforgettable journey. If you feel your work qualifies, please submit a submission to Louise.
6. hellie oden
Making the shortlist for the prestigious Kim Scott Walwyn Award, an award for the most impressive women in publishing, isn’t easy, but Hellie Ogden proved her mettle and got in. Since then, she has managed many clients who have published award-winning and best-selling books in fiction and non-fiction.
working for janklow & nesbit uk in london, hellie represents mid-grade fiction and novel authors. One of her clients is Kat Dunn, the writer of LGBTQ fiction’s Dangerous Remedy and Historical Romance’s Monstrous Design.
hellie accepts unsolicited manuscripts of empathetic stories and very enjoyable mid-grade fiction. New authors are strongly encouraged to submit their work, so head over to the submissions page if you’re just starting out.
7. nancy miles
nancy miles is an industry veteran who worked at harpercollins and heinemann young books. In 2003, she established the Miles Stott Children’s Literary Agency. And whether she’s working on middle grade fiction or picture books, this agency in Pembrokeshire, Wales will always be the go-to agency for children’s authors.
she represents a multitude of exemplary authors. Tom Pollock’s first fictional White Rabbit ever, Red Wolf won the Oxfordshire Book Award and the Steam Award as well as countless nominations. Similarly, Frances Hardinge’s teen historical fiction Cuckoo Song received the Robert Holdstock Award.
Unfortunately, Nancy Miles is still busy reviewing past submissions. you can check the submissions page at a later time in case it accepts proposals again.
8. steph thwaites
Located in London, Curtis Brown is one of the biggest names in the industry, and Steph Thwaites is one of their best agents. Armed with her formal education in English literature from Leeds and McGill, she came to the agency in 2003 and since then she has represented children’s book authors dealing with different genres and themes.
Two of his clients are Emily Barr and Guy Bass. The former is a journalist whose debut novel, The Only Memory of Flora Banks, was a bestseller in 2017. On the other hand, Guy Bass is the renowned author of children’s titles such as The Legend of Frog Chaos and The monsters.
steph is not accepting manuscript submissions at this time. still, she must revisit her agent’s page for instructions once he opens the submission window.
9. sam copeland
London-based literary agency RCW is home to Sam Copeland, one of the UK’s most sought-after agents. In addition to gaining recognition as a highly influential professional in the publishing industry, he was nominated for Literary Agent of the Year for two consecutive years at the British Book Awards.
sam represents authors of all genres. Beyond top-tier adult literary fiction and nonfiction, she loves discovering exciting children’s literature and writing, especially if they’re from novice writers. Tom Becker (Darkside) and Laura Eve (Dreadful Dreamer) are two of her clients who won awards for their first novel.
As always, Sam is open to online submissions of children’s literature, which is not surprising since he also writes his own children’s books.
10. nicola barr
nicola barr is one of two literary agents who manage the dub agency’s children’s list in richmond, london. after working for highly respected companies like harpercollins and greene & heaton, she continued to excel at her new agency by representing some of the most successful fiction authors.
for example, nicola directs brian conaghan. he is the author of the enlightening and amusing novel already when mr. dog bites and multi-award winning coming-of-age fiction for teens, the weight of a thousand feathers.
nicola is accepting fiction queries already, particularly those with strong contemporary elements. Please read the shipping guidelines and then go to your agent page for their contact details.
11. Carolina Sheldon
With her extensive experience in the publishing industry, Caroline Sheldon established her own agency three decades ago. Today, the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency is located in Hillgate Place, London, and has a keen interest in fiction and children’s literature.
Caroline has built a steady list of acclaimed children’s book authors. From international bestseller Penny Give It Ten in Bed to Sandra Dieckman’s Sheet, her clients have captured the attention of young people and the larger publishing world at large.
Writers interested in submitting a proposal should wait until the end of May 2022 for Caroline to reopen the submission window.
12. Alice Williams
alice williams is the titular founder of alice williams literary. Established in 2018 and based in London, their children’s book agency represents clients working on children’s fiction and non-fiction, such as picture books and novels.
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In particular, Alice handles authors such as Clare Helen Welsh (The Tide), Rachel Delahaye (Mort the Meek), and Ciara Smyth (The Crush Montage). Furthermore, he provides valuable support to all of them, especially if his writing celebrates diversity and inclusion.
Alice is fascinated with children’s literature that inspires and enlightens through humor and adventure. however, the presentation window is currently closed to authors and is only open to illustrators. for now, please note the submission page and come back later.
13. molly ker hawn
molly ker hawn is the second agent to handle the child roster along with nicola barr at the dubbed agency in london. she in fact, she specializes in children’s literature. Molly devotes her time and energy to finding the next great title for young readers.
His clients include middle-grade fiction and picture book author Rebecca Donnelly (Cats Are Liquid, Total Garbage) and fantasy novelist Dhonielle Clayton (Shattered Midnight).
molly currently accepts inquiries from authors of fiction (including graphic novels) and non-fiction for middle grade and young adult readers. check the guidelines and read her preferences before contacting her online.
14. kate nash
kate nash is the founder of the kate nash literary agency, which has remained one of the most exciting independent businesses in london, uk, since its inception in 2009. she earned her degree in history from york university.
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In addition, Kate has built an excellent reputation for managing children’s and young adult authors over the years. One of her most talented clients is Helen Watts, the author of the acclaimed children’s historical fiction A Day at Oradour.
at time of writing, kate is closed for children’s literature screenings. Please return to the aforementioned page in the future to see if the team updates its guidelines.
15. Clara Wallace
since 2011, clare wallace has been part of the darey anderson agency. Now, she runs the Daley Anderson children’s agency in London and advises writers from diverse backgrounds to apply for representation.
clare is a huge fan of immersive storytelling, unforgettable characters, and different perspectives. Some of her clients include Martyn Ford (The Imagination Box: Beyond Infinity), Tom Ellen (Neverland), and Lindsay Galvin (Darwin’s Dragons).
therefore, it is open to picture books, humorous chapter books, middle grade fiction, and books for teens and young adults. You can read more about your writing preferences before preparing a proposal.
16. claire wilson
claire wilson is another agent for the rcw literary agency in london. specifically, she started in 2007 and was eventually promoted to director eight years later. If that wasn’t impressive enough, Claire is also the Vice President of the Association of Author Agents.
has an impressive list of acclaimed authors in the field of children’s books and fiction. One of her clients is Sara Barnard, who wrote the acclaimed novel Goodbye, Perfect. Likewise, she manages Aisha Bushby (A Pocket Full of Stars) and Tanya Byrne (Heart-Shaped Bruise).
claire welcomes children’s literature submissions and projects. If your writing has intriguing themes, great humor, and persuasive storytelling, feel free to email your submission to your assistant.
17. veronique baxter
For over 20 years, Veronique Baxter has been one of David Higham’s most trusted agents for his children’s list. Since she rose to director at the London-based company, she has broadened her preferences into literature for children and adults alike, all with a keen eye for unique storytelling.
the list of his children is remarkable. On the one hand, it represents the works of the late Richard Adams, including his already acclaimed classic Watership Down. veronique also represents nick butterworth (the whisperer) and nick crumpton (everything you know about dinosaurs is wrong!).
Requesting representation is easy. visit the specific shipments page for children’s and youth books. From there, read the relevant guidelines and be sure to submit your work to veronique.
Are you a children’s literary agent in the UK? Tell us more about your agency and its activities in the comment box below!
10 of the best children’s literary agents in the uk is an article by writing tips oasis. copyright © 2014-2020 oasis writing tips all rights reserved
hiten vyas is the founder and managing editor of writing tips oasis.
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