Books guide

Write a submission package for literary agents

Prepare a covering letter, synopsis and sample chapters that follow agency guidelines, so your book gets a fair reading from UK literary agents.

Estimated time: 3–6 hoursUpdated: 28 September 2026

Use this guide when your manuscript is finished and revised, and you want to approach agents rather than self-publish. Have your final manuscript, a word count and a list of books similar to yours ready.

Step by step

  1. Make sure the manuscript is ready

    For fiction, most agents expect a complete, revised manuscript before you submit. For non-fiction, a proposal and sample chapters are often enough, so check what each agency wants. Sending too early can use up your chance with an agent.

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