2025

For me, everything begins with that sense of voice on the page, something unique and distinctive. I like to think I could read a single page of new work by any author I represent and would know exactly whose writing it is. And then, I’m looking for the feeling of being led into a story I can’t look away from or put down. I might not know where I am being taken as a reader, but I trust the storyteller to take me on this unexpected journey. So I’m looking to be surprised (through the voice and the characters as much as twists and turns), for a strong connection to the writing, and an excitement to read on regardless of the genre. Ultimately, I’m looking for that sense of truthfulness about the human experience and what it means to be alive through the telling of a wonderful story. I believe the very best of all the genres of writing all comes down to this in some way. Some favourite novels published in recent years by authors I don’t represent would include Claire Keegan’s Small Things Like These, Lauren Groff’s The Matrix, Abdulrazak Gurnah’s Afterlives, Percival Everett's James, Coco Mellor’s Cleopatra and Frankenstein, Ingrid Persaud’s Love After Love, Natasha Pulley’s The Bedlam Stacks and Andrey Kurkov’s Grey Bees

I’m always on the lookout for standout literary fiction, and historical fiction that revisits the past from a fresh, perspective. I love short powerful novels, and also wide ranging ambitious intergenerational novels  - I would love to find something along the lines of the Cazalet Chronicles, for example. I’m most definitely interested in finding more stories set outside of London, and would love in particular to find writing which taps into non-European mythologies. And I adore anything set in frozen climes, from Scandinavia to Siberia. I’m keen to find more outstanding fantasy novels, and was thrilled discover Cheshire Novel Prize alumna Clare Reader Collins and sell her debut fantasy novel TALES OF STARCROSS to Transworld in a notable pre-empt last year. I also love the gothic, and would be delighted to see something page turning and compelling along the lines of Wilkie Collins THE MOONSTONE. 

I would encourage entrants to really lean into the story that only you can write, because the truly personal written exceptionally well is the universal. Don’t imitate, and don’t worry that your perspective is out of step: publishing doesn’t know the next new thing it wants until it comes along. 

Distinct voice, characters you care about, use of language, atmosphere.

I’m always excited to find fresh new voices. 

Don’t submit too early – take your time, polish your submission, and good luck!

There is something rather intangible about brilliant writing, which is what makes it so exciting to discover. But the books I love most are all united by immersive world-building, be that a place or an historical era or an entirely invented space. It’s the judicious use of small details that can really bring a setting to life. Character and voice are also vital: my favourite characters are those which are colourful, vivid and idiosyncratic as well as convincing. And, of course, a great plot is everything. Not all but many of my favourite books have an element of genre, even if the focus seems to be on character or theme or prose style – a mystery, a romance, a quest!

I am open when it comes to genre, but I’m looking for something with an assured voice and a brilliant cast of characters. Horror and fantasy are thriving at the moment, which I think is a sign that readers are looking for books that take them away from our current reality (I can’t think why . . .) A book doesn’t have to sit in those genres to achieve that escapist quality, but that’s the magic ingredient I’m currently looking for. 

Try and think about who your reader is. What else are they reading or watching? Many writers worry about being intentional about this because they fear becoming derivative, but actually having an idea of who you aspire to sit alongside on the shelves can be a helpful way to begin your craft. This is very obviously applicable to straight genre novels: crime, romance, fantasy all have common tropes and therefore a reader is likely to have certain expectations from a book in that space, and it’s useful to know what they are as much for how you can frustrate them as fulfil them! But even if you’re writing in a more “general” or “literary” space it can be helpful to think about how novels you admire work on a technical level – was it Hunter S. Thompson who typed out the entirety of The Great Gatsby on a typewriter to figure out how Fitzgerald had done it? Definitely focus on this rather than getting bogged down by what I call “writer reddit rules” – things like “one word over 100,000 words and no publisher will consider your manuscript” or “more than three narrative voices and the novel won’t work”. There are no hard and fast rules like that. Focus on finding a story you’d be excited to read, figure out what kind of reader might enjoy it too, and go from there. 

Any number of things can catch my attention - a stellar hook, a memorable voice, a character you root for (or against!) - but I think you know you’ve found something special when you feel in totally safe hands with an author. Confidence and a strong understanding of the journey that you’re going to be taking readers on always shines through. 

I think the publishing industry is always looking for ‘same same but different’, and I’m no exception to that, but I think I’m most looking forward to finding books that feel ambitious in vision and confident in execution. In particular, I’d love to find a character-led upmarket historical novel that’s digging at something deeper (think THE SAFEKEEP), a sweeping magical love story, and something fun and fresh in the fantasy and horror space. 

Really take the time to perfect those opening chapters. I always want a strong sense of character, setting, voice, and hook from an opening (no pressure!), so take breaks and try to read it with fresh eyes - or, even better, don’t be afraid to ask a reader friend to look over your sample before submitting!

Convincing dialogue and characters! A plot can be worked on and edited but I don’t think you can teach style and character – those need to be organic on the page. If I believe in the characters and I believe what they’re saying then a novel can shine. I also love descriptions of far-away places (contemporary or historical settings) so that I feel transported there as a reader.

Something new, fresh and original – that could be in terms of characters I’ve not met before or a far-flung place I know nothing about or a new angle or take on a popular genre. I just want to find interesting and diverse stories that will stay with me for a long time! I want love stories with a speculative edge, thrillers that are propulsive and full of twists, book club fiction with moral issues at their heart, historical fiction about a lesser-known/written-about time or place and anything (fiction or non-fiction) that focuses on mental health. 

Read as much as you can! The best writers are big readers and they look at what others do. Even if you read outside of the genre you’re writing in, you’ll still be finessing your craft. I would also advise asking friends or family to read your work/submission chunk and to give feedback – constructive criticism is always helpful and part of the process of working with an agent or editor – before submitting. Lastly, in your synopsis, it’s fine to give away the beginning,  middle and end of the novel – it shows that you’ve planned out the whole story. 

Quite often it’s the perfect alchemy of a few elements but first and foremost, it starts with a strong and assured voice that draws me into the story and makes me feel in safe hands. I love books with a clear vision and unique point of view, often with a strong emotive hook at the centre which creates a compelling narrative. I’m also looking for characters I enjoy spending time with – whether I’m rooting for them or just fascinated by their journey, and ultimately, that stay with me long after I turn the last page.

I’m really excited to read and hopefully be surprised so that I lose myself in the story and don’t notice how much time or pages have passed, and that will mark something out as special. My taste is wide-ranging but I am partial to books that are quirky with a unique point of view and push the boundaries of genre. I also love books that give me all the feels, whether that’s ugly crying or being snort-out-loud funny.

Be the writer you want to be, rather than the writer you think you should be. Authenticity and passion for what you’re doing really shines through on the page so back yourself and don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd, rather than feeling like you have to follow trends which will move on very quickly. There are so many things outside of your control in the publishing industry so focus on what you can control, making sure you’re proud of what you’ve written and feel that it represents you.