The agency accepts fiction submissions by email (except where noted otherwise) that fit its current requirements. What to send: the first three chapters (or an equivalent segment of around 50 double-spaced pages), a synopsis, and a covering letter. Formatting: chapters should be sent as attachments in.doc,.docx or PDF format, in a legible font no smaller than 12pt, double spaced, with pages numbered. The name, email address and a contact number should appear on the title page. The text of the submission should not be pasted into the email body; only attachments in the requested formats will be considered. Word count: adult novels of less than 75,000 words are not accepted. Children's fiction should be no less than 50,000 words. Synopsis: should be a simple explanation of the story from chapter one to the end, not proposed cover copy, and should not run over two pages. Covering letter: should include an elevator pitch and a few lines about the writer and their writing career to date. Mention should be made if another novel has previously been sent to Zeno. Submissions should not be sent again if a previous submission was declined. Submissions by post are not accepted. Subject line should read 'SUBMISSION [title of novel] by [name]'. Only one agent should be submitted to at a time. Per-agent method: John Berlyne accepts submissions by email. Stevie Finegan accepts submissions via QueryManager only.
John is the founder of Zeno Agency and a long-time champion of high-concept, plot-driven storytelling. He gravitates toward speculative fiction where characters face real problems and narrative momentum drives the story. A lifelong fan of science fiction and fantasy, John has a sharp eye for originality and a low tolerance for derivative work or overly whimsical narratives.
Genres:Crime · Fantasy · Historical Fiction · Horror · Science Fiction +1 more
Kirsten is a literary agent at Zeno Agency Ltd, currently focused on selling the agency's translation rights. She joined Zeno in the summer of 2024, having previously worked at another literary agency and, before that, as a bookseller at the Charing Cross branch of Foyles. She holds a BA (Hons) in English from Edinburgh Napier University and a Masters in Children's Literature from Reading University.
Genres:Contemporary Fiction · Crime · Fantasy · Horror · Literary Fiction +5 more
Stevie is an agent at Zeno Agency, representing fantasy, science fiction, children's books, graphic novels and non-fiction. They joined Zeno in 2020 after working for Gollancz, Icon and several Waterstones bookshops in London. Their degree specialised in children's literature, including a dissertation on defining Young Adult fiction. This background shapes their interest in stories connected with LGBTQIA+, BAME, disability, mental health and other marginalised experiences.
Genres:Children's Books · Commercial Fiction · Current Affairs · Fantasy · Graphic Novels +13 more
