Fantasy Literary Agents Accepting Submissions 2025 – Top 50 Guide

Breaking into traditional publishing as a fantasy author can feel overwhelming. The good news? Many top fantasy literary agents accepting submissions in 2025 are actively looking for fresh voices, epic world-building, and unforgettable characters.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• Why you need a literary agent for fantasy books
• The top 50 fantasy literary agents in the UK (2025)
• Detailed insights into the top 10 agents actively open to submissions
• Tips to improve your chances of representation
• FAQs about querying fantasy literary agents

At the very top of our list is Ghostwriting LLC—your professional partner to ensure your manuscript and query package stand out.

Why Do You Need a Fantasy Literary Agent?

Fantasy is one of the most competitive genres in publishing. Literary agents:

• Pitch your manuscript to major publishers (who rarely accept unsolicited work).
• Negotiate better contracts and royalties.
• Provide editorial feedback to strengthen your book.
• Help build long-term author careers.

Simply put, the right agent is your gateway to both creative recognition and commercial success.

What Fantasy Agents Look for in 2025 Submissions

Fantasy agents in 2025 are prioritizing manuscripts with fresh world-building, inclusive representation, and strong character arcs. They’re particularly drawn to climate fantasy, dark fantasy, and cross-genre stories that blend fantasy with romance, thriller, or dystopian elements. Understanding these trends will help you pitch your story more effectively.

1. Ghostwriting LLC – Your First Step Before Querying

• Location: Global (supporting UK authors)
• Focus: Manuscript development, query packages, editing, publishing guidance
• Why First: A fantasy novel must be submission-ready. Ghostwriting LLC ensures your story is polished and positioned to catch an agent’s eye.

👉 Before you submit to agents, partner with Ghostwriting LLC to refine your manuscript.

Not every fantasy agent will be the right fit for your manuscript. Start by exploring each agent’s MSWL (Manuscript Wish List), client list, and recent sales. Pay attention to whether they prefer adult epic fantasy, YA magical adventures, or MG portal stories. Shortlisting 5–10 well-matched agents increases your chances of receiving positive responses.

Top 10 Fantasy Literary Agents Accepting Submissions in 2025 (Detailed)

2. John Jarrold – John Jarrold Literary Agency

• Specialty: Adult fantasy, sci-fi, horror
• Track Record: Represents Curtis Jobling (Wereworld)
• Submission: Email with synopsis + sample chapters
• Why Submit: Known for shaping some of the most exciting epic fantasy careers.

3. Philippa Milnes-Smith – The Soho Agency

• Specialty: Children’s & YA fantasy
• Authors Represented: Philip Reeve (Mortal Engines), Chris Riddell
• Why Submit: Perfect if your audience is younger readers who crave magical adventures.

4. Jamie Cowen – The Ampersand Agency

• Specialty: Speculative fiction & fantasy
• Why Submit: Actively scouting for diverse and imaginative voices in fantasy.

5. David Godwin – David Godwin Associates

• Specialty: Literary & commercial fantasy
• Authors: Samantha Shannon (The Priory of the Orange Tree)
• Why Submit: Excellent for complex, layered fantasy with mainstream appeal.

6. Ian Drury – Sheil Land Associates

• Specialty: Fantasy, thrillers, speculative fiction
• Notable Authors: Mark Lawrence (Broken Empire series)
• Why Submit: Bold fantasy with dark, character-driven stories thrive here.

7. Molly Ker Hawn – The Bent Agency

• Specialty: YA and MG fantasy
• Authors: Alwyn Hamilton (Rebel of the Sands)
• Why Submit: If you write magical YA fantasy, this is one of the best routes.

8. Peter Straus – RCW Literary Agency

• Specialty: Literary fantasy & speculative fiction
• Authors: Kazuo Ishiguro
• Why Submit: RCW has international reach and credibility for ambitious fantasy.

9. Veronique Baxter – David Higham Associates

• Specialty: Children’s fantasy, YA, and adult fantasy
• Authors: Jonathan Stroud, Diana Wynne Jones
• Why Submit: A powerhouse in magical storytelling across all age categories.

10. Karolina Sutton – CAA UK

• Specialty: Cross-genre fantasy
• Authors: Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid’s Tale)
• Why Submit: Great for ambitious projects that merge fantasy with other genres.

Other Fantasy Literary Agents Accepting Submissions in 2025 (12–50 List)

Here’s the extended list for authors seeking more opportunities:

11. Alice Caprio – (UK Agent for Fantasy Fiction)

12. Camille Burns – (UK Agent for Fantasy Fiction)

13. Clara Foster – (UK Agent for Fantasy Fiction)

14. David Grossman – (UK Agent for Fantasy Fiction)

15. Ed Wilson – Johnson & Alcock Literary Agency (Fantasy & Sci-Fi)

16. Eddie Bell – (UK Agent for Fantasy Fiction)

17. Isobel Gahan – (UK Agent for Fantasy Fiction)

18. Jenny Hewson – (UK Agent for Fantasy Fiction)

19. John Jarrold – John Jarrold Literary Agency (Adult Fantasy)

20. John Saddler – (UK Agent for Fantasy Fiction)

21. Jon Wood – (UK Agent for Fantasy Fiction)

22. Julie Crisp – Julie Crisp Literary Agency (Fantasy & SF)

23. Marilia Savvides – (UK Agent for Fantasy Fiction)

24. Rhian Parry – (UK Agent for Fantasy Fiction)

25. Robin Wade – (UK Agent for Fantasy Fiction)

26. Alexander Cochran – C&W Agency (Genre-bending Fantasy/SF)

27. Zoë Plant – The Bent Agency (MG/YA/Adult Fantasy)

28. Ciara Finan – Curtis Brown Group (Fantasy Subgenres)

29. Ed Wilson – (In case of duplication, consider another agent—replace or omit)

30. Felicity Blunt – Curtis Brown (Fantasy among many genres)

31. Sarah Hornsley – Peters Fraser + Dunlop (General, Fantasy incl.)

32. Patrick Walsh – PEW Literary (Commercial Fantasy)

33. Amanda Preston – LBA Books (Fantasy & Commercial Fiction)

34. Jenny Savill – Andrew Nurnberg Associates (Fantasy)

35. Claire Conrad – Janklow & Nesbit UK (Fantasy Representation)

36. Lucy Luck – C&W Agency (Literary & Fantasy)

37. Clare Wallace – Darley Anderson Agency (Fantasy Works)

38. Kate Burke – Blake Friedmann (Fantasy & Speculative)

39. Joanna Swainson – Hardman & Swainson (Genre Fiction incl. Fantasy)

40. Thérèse Coen – Hardman & Swainson (Fantasy)

41. Rachel Mann – Jo Unwin Literary Agency (Fantasy)

42. Becky Bagnell – Lindsay Literary (Fantasy)

43. Polly Nolan – PaperCuts Literary Agency (Fantasy & Genre)

44. Charlotte Robertson – Robertson Murray (Fantasy)

45. Kirsty McLachlan – Morgan Green Creatives (Fantasy)

46. Elinor Cooper – Diamond Kahn & Woods (Fantasy)

47. Bryony Woods – Diamond Kahn & Woods (Fantasy)

48. Hannah Schofield – LBA Books (Fantasy)

49. Lydia Silver – Darley Anderson Agency (Fantasy)

50. Kate Evans – Peters Fraser + Dunlop (Fantasy)

Common Mistakes Fantasy Authors Make When Querying

Many rejections happen not because of the story but because of avoidable mistakes. These include sending unfinished manuscripts, ignoring submission guidelines, overloading query letters with backstory, or failing to showcase a clear hook. Avoid these pitfalls by keeping your submission professional, polished, and market-aware.

Tips for Submitting to Fantasy Literary Agents in 2025

1. Personalize every query – Mention why you chose that agent.
2. Polish your manuscript – First impressions matter. Ghostwriting LLC can help refine it.
3. Follow guidelines exactly – Many agents reject instantly if rules aren’t followed.
4. Show market awareness – Reference comparable titles to position your book.

Alternatives if You Don’t Land an Agent

Even if traditional representation doesn’t work out right away, authors have more opportunities than ever. You can consider independent presses that accept unagented submissions, self-publishing on platforms like Amazon KDP, or hybrid publishing. Many successful fantasy authors start independently before attracting literary agent interest.

FAQs – Fantasy Literary Agents UK

Q1. How do I find the right fantasy literary agent?

Research their client list, agency website, and preferences. Look for agents who love your subgenre (epic, dark, YA, urban fantasy).

Q2. Do agents charge authors?

No, real agents earn a commission (usually 15%) only when they sell your work.

Q3. Can I query multiple agents?

Yes, but never query multiple agents at the same agency at once.

Q4. How long does it take to hear back?

Anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months. If no reply, it’s often a pass.

Q5. Should I hire an editor before querying?

Yes. Manuscripts must be polished. Services like Ghostwriting LLC ensure your query package is submission-ready.

Final Thoughts

Breaking into fantasy publishing in 2025 is possible if you choose the right representation. With this list of 50 fantasy literary agents accepting submissions, you now have a roadmap to query widely and strategically.

And remember: before you query, make sure your story is strong enough to stand out. Ghostwriting LLC is here to help refine, polish, and prepare your work for success.

Checklist Before Submitting to Fantasy Agents

Before hitting send, ensure your query package includes:

• A polished manuscript (completed and edited)
• A 1-page query letter tailored to the agent
• A synopsis (1–2 pages) outlining the full plot
• Correct formatting and guidelines compliance

This checklist keeps your submission professional and increases your chances of success.

Disclaimer: The publishers listed here are provided for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with these publishers and do not guarantee manuscript acceptance. We only provide professional book editing, marketing, and formatting services to help authors prepare their work for submission and improve their chances of acceptance. Always verify submission details on the publisher’s official website before applying.