How to Submit to Literary Agents in the UK (Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Writers)

If you’ve finished your novel and want to pursue traditional publishing in the UK, your next step is submitting to literary agents.

This process can feel mysterious and intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be. Think of it like sending your work to a stranger and asking them to believe in it, and in you.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about submitting to agents in the UK, from researching the right people to writing your query letter and avoiding common mistakes.

 

What Does a Literary Agent Do?

A literary agent is your bridge to traditional publishing. They:

Pitch your manuscript to publishers

Negotiate contracts on your behalf

Guide your career long-term

Take a commission

You do not pay them upfront. If someone charges you to read your manuscript, walk away.

 

Step 1: Finish (and Polish) Your Manuscript

Agents are only interested in complete manuscripts (unless you’re submitting non-fiction, which follows different rules).

Before you send it anywhere:

Make sure the full book is ready

Get feedback from a few trusted readers

Do at least one proper edit

Spellcheck, format properly, and keep it clean

 

Step 2: Research Literary Agents

Not every agent will be a good fit for your book. Your job is to find the ones who actually represent your genre, style, and audience.

Tools to help:

QueryTracker: a free and paid tool to find, track, and manage agent submissions

AgentMatch (by Jericho Writers): tailored for UK writers

Individual agency websites (always check them directly)

What to look for:

Do they represent your genre? (Don’t send your horror novel to a romance-only agent.)

Are they actively building their list?

Who else do they represent?

What do they ask for in submissions?

 

Make a spreadsheet. Keep track of names, submission windows, and responses.

 

Step 3: Write a Query Letter (UK Style)

Your query letter is the first impression. It’s short, professional, and designed to make the agent want to read your pages. Below is an example structure. However, I would suggest that you have a look at successful query letters online to get a good idea for what agents like. the /PubTips subreddit is a good place to browse!

Basic structure:

1. Hook (1–2 sentences)
You can start with a strong, punchy line about your book. Think logline or elevator pitch.

A grief-stricken teacher joins a secret club where desire and violence blur — and learns too late that no one leaves.

 

2. Book details (1 paragraph)

Title

Word count

Genre

Comp titles (optional, but helpful)

Quick summary of the plot (don’t be vague, this isn’t a teaser)

3. About you (1 paragraph)
Who you are. Mention any publication credits, relevant background, or day job if it ties into the story. If you’re unpublished, just say that.

4. Personalisation (optional)
If you’re emailing a specific agent, a short line on why you chose them helps.

I’m reaching out because you represent literary thrillers with psychological depth, and your client list really aligns with what I write.

 

Step 4: Prepare Your Submission Materials

Every agent wants something slightly different, but most UK submissions ask for:

Query letter (in the email body or as an attachment)

Synopsis (1-2 pages max)

Sample chapters (usually first 3 chapters or 10,000 words)

Tips:

Use .docx or PDF unless otherwise stated

Format your manuscript professionally:

• • Double spaced

  • 12pt serif font (Times New Roman is standard)

  • Page numbers and headers

  • No wild formatting

Always check the agency’s specific submission guidelines. If they say 10 pages, don’t send 15.

 

Step 5: Submit and Track

Send your submission and log it in your spreadsheet or QueryTracker. Then wait.

What to expect:

Some agents reply in 2–3 weeks

Others take 3–6 months

Most do not give feedback

You might hear nothing at all (this is normal)

 

While you wait, keep submitting to others. You don’t need to wait for one agent to respond before querying the next.

 

What If You Get Rejected?

You will. Most writers get dozens of rejections, even from agents who genuinely like their work.

It doesn’t mean your book is bad. It means this is subjective, competitive, and often a matter of timing and luck.

If you’re getting personalised rejections (anything beyond a form), that’s a good sign.

If you get a full manuscript request? Even better.

Keep going.

 

Quick Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

Research agents before sending

Follow submission guidelines exactly

Keep your letter clear and to the point

Be polite and professional

Keep writing your next book

Don’t:

Apologise for being new

Oversell or say “this is the next Harry Potter”

Send to agents who don’t rep your genre

Follow up aggressively

Get discouraged too early

 

Final Thought

Submitting to agents is like planting seeds. Most won’t grow. A few might. But none will if you don’t send them.

Treat this as a process, not a verdict on your worth as a writer. Your job is to put yourself out there. The right people will find you eventually.

And if they don’t? There are always other paths.