UK Agents / Agencies

Eddyz Aquila · 02-16-2012, 02:41 AM

I'll be quick with this - I wonder whether anyone can recommend me some UK agents or agencies?

The genre doesn't necessarily matter but I'm thinking here mainly of YA and historical.

Thank you

Old Hack · 02-16-2012, 11:24 AM

There are several agents and agencies I'd recommend, but as so much depends on not just the genre but the book you're planning to submit to them and how you want to work, I can't until I know more.

waylander · 02-16-2012, 01:23 PM

http://www.writersservices.com/agent/uk09/index.htm

I'm with Sheil Land Associates and naturally recommend them, they have a strong record with historical novels.

hester · 02-17-2012, 12:51 AM

I believe querytracker has some UK listings, but I'm not sure how comprehensive they are.

Starchaser3000 · 02-19-2012, 06:41 AM

Are there any agencies in the UK that might be interested in picking up a multi volume series? And if that series was a satire of fiction/fantasy with sex, violence, crude & lewd humor, with some characters that regularly abuse drugs & alcohol, is there any type of commercial interest in something like that in Great Britain by any chance? Or anywhere in Europe for that matter?

Old Hack · 02-19-2012, 11:35 AM

Starchaser, you have to sell the first book in a series before you can pitch the rest of it. As for whether there's a market for your book: we can't tell based on that information (and no, I'm not asking you to expand your pitch here--please don't). You have to do your homework and find those agencies yourself.

In general, no one here can recommend specific agents or agencies to other writers. So much depends on the individual writer and the specific book which he or she has written. There are plenty of places online where one can find lists of agents, along with their preferences and successes; and there are a few directories like the Writers' And Artists' Yearbook and The Writers' Handbook. There are other ways to find agents too: you can look in pubilshed books which are similar to yours to see if the author has mentioned her agent, for example.

But asking people online to recommend appropriate agents for a book based on two lines of description without any indication of what the book's about? It can't be done.

waylander · 02-19-2012, 02:28 PM

Starchaser, I think it is possible that such a book could work in the UK market, but it comes down to (as it always does) how well written it is. If it features compelling characters doing interesting things told with a strong voice then there is every chance.

Starchaser3000 · 02-19-2012, 08:45 PM

Right, was just inquiring. But if detailing what my book is about is an issue, I already have a blog with reviews and synopsis that explains the book more thoroughly than what I had posted haha!

IMO, I think what I have written is GOOD, but not the perfection some picky readers, both domestic and abroad, are looking for. I will be honest, if your a Game of Thrones fan, you would probably loathe and despise what I have written. But I believe others will be entertained and amused by what I have if they have an open mind.

And I only say that because I think some of the sex & violence, along with the touchy political, racial, and social themes interwoven within the plot could be interpreted in bad taste despite having the knowledge that its a spoof of fantasy/fiction with some graphic violence and some intentionally strange characters.

In other words, its not for everybody. But I thought the international market in Europe or Asia might have an interest in what I got if my own country does not.

waylander · 02-20-2012, 03:30 AM

Starchaser - have you read Richard Morgan's 'The Steel Remains'?
Now that is a book that pushes the boundaries in fantasy with respect to graphic homosexual sex and violence. True, Morgan is an established author, but it did collect a lot of negative reviews yet a major publishing house was prepared to take a gamble on it and it sold in solid quantities.

Starchaser3000 · 02-20-2012, 04:30 AM

No. But that sounds like something I would like to read. There are suggestive references to homosexuality, bisexuality, and bestiality in my own work. But nothing I believe would be considered pornographic or obscene. Lots of blood, guts, severed limbs, mutilation, depictions of torture, and human sacrifice in there as well. I like pushing boundaries, but I am aware that I could alienate my audience if I take it too far.

Eddyz Aquila · 02-20-2012, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Hack

There are several agents and agencies I'd recommend, but as so much depends on not just the genre but the book you're planning to submit to them and how you want to work, I can't until I know more.

Historical novel that can be classified as YA or as a "normal" genre, the only aspect is that the MC is 19 years old and that's about it when it comes to the YA part.

So, yeah, completed historical novel that I wish to submit to them, under 100k.

Any suggestions?

Old Hack · 02-20-2012, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eddyz Aquila

Any suggestions?

Yes. Do your own research.

Mr Flibble · 02-20-2012, 11:57 PM

Querytracker lists 13 UK agents that look at historicals, two of whom are not accepting unsolicited queries.

Start by looking into those agents/agencies, see which rep stuff closest to yours, what their sales are like etc.

Eddyz Aquila · 02-21-2012, 05:05 PM

Thank you for the suggestion

waylander · 06-19-2012, 12:12 AM

To the best of my knowledge, there is no UK equivalent of Agentquery. You may have to buy W+A Yearbook if the link I posted above doesn't give you enough information.

As for specific agents for commercial/black comic stuff, the standard answer applies. Seek out books in a similar vein, found out who represents the authors and query them.

Old Hack · 06-19-2012, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Project Deadlight

Anyone have any ideas for UK based literary agents that take commercial/black comic stuff? Or any websites for UK agents a la Agentquery.com

Or am I going to have to buy THE BIBLE...

I can only repeat what I said earlier:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Hack

Yes. Do your own research.

Old Hack · 06-19-2012, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Project Deadlight

Why bother? It was useless and unhelpful the first time. If you don't like "sharing leads", get off the board.

Mug.

Hmm. Let's see. Was that a respectful response? Did it add anything to the conversation? Nope, I don't think so.

Deadlight, if you'd said that to anyone else I'd give you a time out for it. But as it's me, I'll give you a pass--just this once.

I could suggest a handful of good agents: but as I don't know your writing, your intentions, or how you like to work, I don't know if any of them would be right for you. The only person who can work all that out is you. So yes, to find an agent who is a good fit for you, you have to do your own research. If you need advice on how to do that, you only have to ask: but snapping at people who try to point you in the right direction isn't going to get you the help that you want.

MacAllister · 06-23-2012, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Project Deadlight

Why bother? It was useless and unhelpful the first time. If you don't like "sharing leads", get off the board.

Mug.

Oh dear. Old Hack is a LOT nicer than I am. I'm not gonna let that go by -- and you're damn lucky it's just a time-out.

You get a week to reconsider that response. And if you intend ever to address anyone here that way again, you needn't bother returning after your time-out is over.

EmseePlum · 01-05-2013, 01:12 AM

hahahahaha i love when i'm new to a board and get to read drama, oldhack and macallister, you two rock

02-16-2012, 02:41 AM	#1
Eddyz Aquila Noob Writers United Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bucharest, Romania Posts: 1,853	UK Agents / Agencies I'll be quick with this - I wonder whether anyone can recommend me some UK agents or agencies? The genre doesn't necessarily matter but I'm thinking here mainly of YA and historical. Thank you __________________ Check out my blog! http://www.randomwander.com/ *The more you can dream, the more you can do.* - Michael Korda

02-16-2012, 11:24 AM	#2
Old Hack You'll have to run faster than that SuperModerator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In the watchtower Posts: 11,453	There are several agents and agencies I'd recommend, but as so much depends on not just the genre but the book you're planning to submit to them and how you want to work, I can't until I know more. __________________ I blog at How Publishing Really Works and The Self-Publishing Review, and I tweet as @hprw. See you around.

02-16-2012, 01:23 PM	#3
waylander Who's going for a beer? Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 5,184	http://www.writersservices.com/agent/uk09/index.htm I'm with Sheil Land Associates and naturally recommend them, they have a strong record with historical novels. __________________ Behind the smile, there's danger and a promise to be told. Last edited by waylander; 02-19-2012 at 02:25 PM.

02-17-2012, 12:51 AM	#4
hester Looking at the big board Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The War Room Posts: 729	I believe querytracker has some UK listings, but I'm not sure how comprehensive they are. __________________ My characters eat transfats. "Dangerous Waters" now available! www.omnilit.com, www.smashwords.com. Blog: www.annikay.wordpress.com (now with serial goodness!)

02-19-2012, 11:35 AM	#6
Old Hack You'll have to run faster than that SuperModerator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In the watchtower Posts: 11,453	Starchaser, you have to sell the first book in a series before you can pitch the rest of it. As for whether there's a market for your book: we can't tell based on that information (and no, I'm not asking you to expand your pitch here--please don't). You have to do your homework and find those agencies yourself. In general, no one here can recommend specific agents or agencies to other writers. So much depends on the individual writer and the specific book which he or she has written. There are plenty of places online where one can find lists of agents, along with their preferences and successes; and there are a few directories like the Writers' And Artists' Yearbook and The Writers' Handbook. There are other ways to find agents too: you can look in pubilshed books which are similar to yours to see if the author has mentioned her agent, for example. But asking people online to recommend appropriate agents for a book based on two lines of description without any indication of what the book's about? It can't be done. __________________ I blog at How Publishing Really Works and The Self-Publishing Review, and I tweet as @hprw. See you around.

02-19-2012, 06:41 AM	#5
Starchaser3000 Banned Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 103	Are there any agencies in the UK that might be interested in picking up a multi volume series? And if that series was a satire of fiction/fantasy with sex, violence, crude & lewd humor, with some characters that regularly abuse drugs & alcohol, is there any type of commercial interest in something like that in Great Britain by any chance? Or anywhere in Europe for that matter?

02-19-2012, 02:28 PM	#7
waylander Who's going for a beer? Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 5,184	Starchaser, I think it is possible that such a book could work in the UK market, but it comes down to (as it always does) how well written it is. If it features compelling characters doing interesting things told with a strong voice then there is every chance. __________________ Behind the smile, there's danger and a promise to be told.

02-19-2012, 08:45 PM	#8
Starchaser3000 Banned Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 103	Right, was just inquiring. But if detailing what my book is about is an issue, I already have a blog with reviews and synopsis that explains the book more thoroughly than what I had posted haha! IMO, I think what I have written is GOOD, but not the perfection some picky readers, both domestic and abroad, are looking for. I will be honest, if your a Game of Thrones fan, you would probably loathe and despise what I have written. But I believe others will be entertained and amused by what I have if they have an open mind. And I only say that because I think some of the sex & violence, along with the touchy political, racial, and social themes interwoven within the plot could be interpreted in bad taste despite having the knowledge that its a spoof of fantasy/fiction with some graphic violence and some intentionally strange characters. In other words, its not for everybody. But I thought the international market in Europe or Asia might have an interest in what I got if my own country does not.

02-20-2012, 03:30 AM	#9
waylander Who's going for a beer? Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 5,184	Starchaser - have you read Richard Morgan's 'The Steel Remains'? Now that is a book that pushes the boundaries in fantasy with respect to graphic homosexual sex and violence. True, Morgan is an established author, but it did collect a lot of negative reviews yet a major publishing house was prepared to take a gamble on it and it sold in solid quantities. __________________ Behind the smile, there's danger and a promise to be told.

02-20-2012, 04:30 AM	#10
Starchaser3000 Banned Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 103	No. But that sounds like something I would like to read. There are suggestive references to homosexuality, bisexuality, and bestiality in my own work. But nothing I believe would be considered pornographic or obscene. Lots of blood, guts, severed limbs, mutilation, depictions of torture, and human sacrifice in there as well. I like pushing boundaries, but I am aware that I could alienate my audience if I take it too far.

02-20-2012, 11:57 PM	#13
Mr Flibble They've been very bad, Mr Flibble Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: We couldn't possibly do that. Who'd clear up the mess? Posts: 15,777	Querytracker lists 13 UK agents that look at historicals, two of whom are not accepting unsolicited queries. Start by looking into those agents/agencies, see which rep stuff closest to yours, what their sales are like etc. __________________ The Rojan Dizon books, book one out now from Orbit Website Twitter

02-21-2012, 05:05 PM	#14
Eddyz Aquila Noob Writers United Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bucharest, Romania Posts: 1,853	Thank you for the suggestion __________________ Check out my blog! http://www.randomwander.com/ *The more you can dream, the more you can do.* - Michael Korda

06-19-2012, 12:12 AM	#15
waylander Who's going for a beer? Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 5,184	To the best of my knowledge, there is no UK equivalent of Agentquery. You may have to buy W+A Yearbook if the link I posted above doesn't give you enough information. As for specific agents for commercial/black comic stuff, the standard answer applies. Seek out books in a similar vein, found out who represents the authors and query them. __________________ Behind the smile, there's danger and a promise to be told.

01-05-2013, 01:12 AM	#19
EmseePlum oi! oi! oi! Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: the Labyrinth Posts: 11	hahahahaha i love when i'm new to a board and get to read drama, oldhack and macallister, you two rock __________________ to thy self be enough .~.~.~.~. www.facebook.com/emseeplum .~.~.~.~.

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