Submissions are accepted by email only, to submissions@watsonlittle.com. Submissions sent by post will not be read. Submissions should be directed to one agent only, not sent to more than one agent at the agency at once. The agency shares submissions internally and may pass work to a better-suited agent. Cover letter: include a synopsis and writing sample attached as Word documents for fiction, or a proposal for non-fiction, with the cover letter in the body of the email. For a graphic novel or a self-illustrated children's book, send the material as a PDF. The cover letter should briefly describe the novel or proposal, including genre, word count and a one-line pitch, followed by a paragraph or two about the plot. It should also cover the writer's background, any writing experience or previous publications, and mention a couple of recently published comparable titles. Fiction: send approximately 10,000 words (or to the end of the nearest chapter) from the beginning of the book as a single attached document, plus a separate synopsis outlining the plot or structure from beginning to end, including spoilers, written as a factual summary rather than a marketing blurb. Children's fiction: where the total word count is under 20,000 words, send the full manuscript. Non-fiction: send a proposal as a single attached document addressing the subject of the book and why it needs to be published now, the writer's background and credentials, comparable previously published books, a sample chapter, and a list of potential chapters with summaries. What not to submit: poetry or screenplays for film, television, radio or theatre are not represented. Material wholly or partially originated, written or edited by AI is not accepted. Writers may submit to multiple agencies at once, but should inform the agency of any full manuscript requests or offers from other agents. Keep a copy of anything submitted, and do not send original artwork.
Does not accept any material that has been wholly or partially originated, written or edited by AI.
Ciara is an Associate Agent at Watson, Little, building her list with writers of fiction and non-fiction. She reads widely across literary, upmarket and book club fiction, and enjoys narrative, memoir and essay collections in non-fiction. She looks for voices that remain underrepresented in the publishing industry.
Genres:Contemporary Fiction · Food & Drink · Literary Fiction · Memoir · Narrative Non-Fiction +1 more
Donald is a literary agent at Watson, Little, representing non-fiction and fiction for adults. He began his career at Penguin Press before working for five years at A P Watt, building a list of non-fiction and fiction authors. He joined Watson, Little as an agent in 2013. Donald now splits his time between Scotland and London.
Genres:Business · Commercial Fiction · Contemporary Fiction · Crime · Current Affairs +8 more
Gabrielle is a literary agent and Foreign Rights Manager at Watson, Little. Gabrielle joined the agency in 2024, after six years working as a literary scout. Gabrielle heads up the foreign rights department, helping Watson, Little authors find publishers around the world, and is building their own list of authors focused on literary and upmarket fiction, select thrillers and nonfiction.
Genres:Business · Food & Drink · Historical Fiction · Historical Non-Fiction · Horror +7 more
Hannah is a literary and book-to-screen agent at Watson, Little. She joined the agency in 2024 after four years as an agent at Northbank Talent Management and a year at Penguin Random House UK. She is building a varied list of quality commercial and upmarket fiction and non-fiction, and authors she has represented have been listed for prizes including the Women's Prize and the British Book Awards. She also represents book-to-screen rights for the agency and stays closely connected with the international film and TV industry.
Genres:Contemporary Fiction · Crime · Food & Drink · Health & Wellness · Historical Fiction +7 more
James is Managing Director at Watson, Little and looks after a dynamic and wide-ranging list of writers. He has a BA in English and Italian and an MA in 20th Century Literature from the University of Leeds. He is a former Secretary of the Association of Authors' Agents. James is passionate about reading and good writing.
Genres:Crime · Horror · Literary Fiction · Memoir · Mystery +7 more
Laetitia is a literary agent at Watson, Little, representing literary and upmarket fiction and non-fiction, including lifestyle and wellbeing. She has worked as an agent for fifteen years, representing award-winning writers such as Chris Cleave, Rana Dasgupta, Xiaolu Guo and Evie Wyld. Over her decade at Watson, Little, she has built a successful crime fiction list including Jenny Blackhurst, Alex Marwood and Ajay Chowdhury.
Genres:Health & Wellness · Historical Fiction · Literary Fiction · Self-Help
Megan is a literary agent at Watson, Little. She graduated from Goldsmiths with a BA in English and American Literature in 2013. She has worked at the agency since 2014, first as an assistant and now as a Literary Agent.
Genres:Commercial Fiction · Contemporary Fiction · Fantasy · Horror · Middle Grade +4 more
