The Good Earth Publishers
Literary Agencies Accepting Submissions Worldwide
A curated starting point for writers seeking professional literary representation. Review each agency’s interests and submission rules carefully before sending your work.
Representation begins with the right match.
Literary agents represent authors, submit manuscripts to publishers, negotiate contracts and help manage publishing rights. The strongest submission is not the one sent to the most agents. It is the one sent thoughtfully to agents whose interests genuinely fit the work.
Curated directory
Selected Literary Agencies
These listings direct readers to official submission pages. They are presented as a practical starting point rather than a guarantee of current availability or representation.
Curtis Brown
A major literary and talent agency representing authors across commercial, literary and specialist fields.
- Fiction and nonfiction
- Submission materials generally include a letter, synopsis and sample
- Individual agent interests should be checked before submission
David Higham Associates
A London-based agency representing authors, illustrators and screenwriters across a wide range of publishing categories.
- Fiction and nonfiction
- Covering letter, synopsis and opening chapters commonly requested
- Agent-specific interests and availability vary
Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency
A UK agency representing fiction and nonfiction for adult and younger readers, with an international rights focus.
- Agents publish individual wish lists
- All agents may not seek the same genres
- Writers should follow the agency’s exact submission route
The Bent Agency
An agency with offices in New York and London representing adult, children’s and young adult authors across commercial and literary work.
- Query only one agency representative at a time
- Agent profiles explain current interests
- Submission instructions must be followed precisely
P.S. Literary Agency
A full-service North American agency representing fiction, nonfiction and books for younger readers.
- Email submissions are used
- Queries should follow the agency’s published format
- Paper, telephone and social-media queries are not accepted
How to Expand Your Search
Use agency association directories, individual agent profiles and reputable publishing resources to identify further possibilities.
- Search by genre rather than prestige alone
- Confirm the agent’s recent sales and stated interests
- Never assume an agency is open without checking
Submission guidance
Prepare Before You Query
Agencies receive large numbers of submissions. Professional presentation, relevance and compliance with instructions matter.
Research the agent
Study the agent’s genres, authors, wish list and current submission status.
Prepare the query
Present the title, genre, word count, central premise and relevant author background.
Follow instructions
Send only the material, format and file type requested by that agency.
Track submissions
Record the agent, date, materials sent, response period and outcome.
Professional preparation
What a Query Package May Include
Query or covering letter
A concise introduction to the manuscript, its genre, audience, central premise and the reason the selected agent may be a suitable match.
Synopsis
A clear account of the principal plot, major developments and ending. It should not read like promotional copy or conceal the conclusion.
Opening sample
Agents may request opening pages, chapters or a stated word limit. Submit the opening unless the guidelines explicitly say otherwise.
Nonfiction proposal
Nonfiction submissions may require an overview, market position, chapter outline, author platform and sample chapters.
Recognise Warning Signs
Reputable literary representation is based on selling rights and negotiating publishing agreements, not on pressuring writers into unnecessary purchases.
Large reading fees
Be cautious when substantial payment is demanded merely to read or consider a standard query.
Guaranteed publication
No genuine agent can guarantee that a publisher will acquire a manuscript.
Pressure to buy services
Investigate carefully when representation depends on purchasing editing, marketing or publishing services from connected providers.
Unclear commission terms
Commission, expenses, termination rights and the scope of representation should be explained in a written agreement.
No professional record
Verify the agency’s representatives, clients, publishing activity and legitimate professional presence.
Requests for secrecy
Avoid arrangements that discourage legal review, independent advice or careful examination of contractual terms.
Continue exploring
Related TGEP Resources
Submit selectively. Present your work professionally.
Research the representative, follow the published instructions and maintain a clear record of every submission.