Contacting an Agent

How do I bring my work to the attention of a literary agent?

First, please read the information and advice on this page.

Second, look up a suitable agent from our list of member agents and then check their submission guidelines before making contact – if these guidelines are not available on their website, phone or email them according to their stated preference. Some agents prefer you to make a phone call first; others prefer email.

Third, if an agent wants to look at your writing, they will generally ask you to send in an initial submission by email or post, according to their guidelines. They usually do not want to see the whole work at first. [Please note: if sending hard copies, send copies and not the originals. Always keep the originals in a safe place. Agents cannot be responsible for loss of material.]