Andrew Lownie Literary Agency

The Agency is always looking to take on new authors and accepts submissions by email or post with a stamped addressed envelope. They should take the following form:

1 page mini-synopsis highlighting with bullet points what makes the book new and special
1 page cv
1 page with a few lines on the five most recent competing and comparable books giving author, title, publisher and date of publication together with a note on how the books relate to the author's own book
1 page on sources used
1 page on any specialist marketing outlets such as websites, organisations or magazines
1 page synopsis per chapter
A sample chapter and, if appropriate, some photographs

Do I accept unpublished authors?

About half my list consists of previously unpublished writers. This is perhaps only natural, given my emphasis on non-fiction and published authors are more likely to have an agent already but in any case new writers are our lifeblood. Every agent is looking for a new star and it is often easier to launch a new name without a track record than build an author's sales and reputation over several books.

Do I headhunt?

I handle very little fiction but I know many of my colleagues spend a considerable amount of time attending writers' groups, reading small circulation literary magazines etc. I myself will approach well-known figures or journalists suggesting ideas. Writers are now very sophisticated and tend to approach agents before we have time to approach them!

What mistakes should I avoid when submitting work?

I hate blanket submissions clearly addressed to lots of agents at the same time, enquiry letters without SAEs or with foreign return postage on them, telephone enquiries, unsolicited complete manuscripts (especially those tightly packed), letters in green ink or in small envelopes or on lined notepaper and submissions that are badly-spelt, poorly-presented or ungrammatical.

Which are un-published areas?

I am surprised short stories, anthologies and literary companions do not sell better and am pleased that spy stories are regaining popularity. Publishers are always looking for British commercial male thriller writers. In the end we have to respond to the market and that market can be very fickle. Where have all those readers gone who loved books on UFOs and the SAS and the origins of the Pyramids?

Any advice for an author?

Be professional in your approach, be aware of the competing and comparable literature, learn your craft, accept advice and adapt, read widely, don't give up and find a good literary agent. Also read the Agent FAQs.

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