We had to remove this post
by Hanna Bervoets,
represented by PFD
Peters Fraser + Dunlop
55 New Oxford Street
London UK
WC1A BS
https://petersfraserdunlop.com/
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Peters Fraser and Dunlop (PFD)
has been in business since
1924. It’s one of the most well-established literary and talent agencies in
London. Here’s what they have to say about themselves:
“We develop industry-leading work in the
fields of literature, film, television, radio, audio, public speaking, digital
platforms and journalism. We work closely with our clients to connect them with
the right partners, across the media, while protecting their rights every step
of the way. Our business is about creativity, enhancement, innovation and
service. We believe in developing and nurturing talent over time, while also
pursuing cutting-edge opportunities in a fast-paced and ever-changing market. Our
list is a testament to almost a hundred years of long-term vision and creative
excellence.”
PFD has 16 literary agents, who work in both adult
and children’s books, fiction and nonfiction. Most of them are open to queries.
Here are their three hungriest agents:
Daisy Chandley is an Associate Agent and
assistant to Head of Books Tim Bates and Senior Agent Annabel Merullo. She’s
the newest member of the team, and like all new agents, she needs authors.
After graduating from the University of Oxford with
a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she joined Peters, Fraser &
Dunlop. She works alongside Tim Bates as the UK sub-agent for New Directions
Publishing in the US.
“I’m actively building a list of both fiction and
nonfiction authors across a range of genres,” says Daisy.
“On the nonfiction side, I’m looking for bold new
insights and underrepresented voices on popular science, nature writing,
relationships, social issues and politics, and am always especially interested
in fresh, playful and exciting writing on pop culture, love and the internet.
I’d also love to see illuminating narrative nonfiction, whether a beautiful and
lyrical exploration, or an enthralling and explosive deep-dive.
“With fiction, my reading broadly falls into two
main categories: sharp, witty and clever novels across a range of genres with
just the right balance of emotion and edge, and things with a darker side, be
it unputdownable thrillers, mysteries, or even a good old-fashioned ghost
story. Whether it’s a delightfully fun and scandalous page-turner, or something
more literary and experimental, if it’s stylish and smart, I’d love to see it.
And I must admit – I’m an absolute sucker for a really good twist.
“I’m also definitely interested in literary
speculative fiction, though I’m not generally looking for SFF. Across the
board, I’m always looking for stories that explore sexuality, race, gender, and
disability, and would love to hear from writers whose voices and experiences
aren’t given enough space in publishing.
“Just a few(ish) of the writers whose work I love include
Patricia Lockwood, Raven Leilani, Torrey Peters, Gillian Flynn, Shirley
Jackson, Max Porter, Carmen Maria Machado, Virginia Woolf, Sayaka Murata, Kiley
Reid, Laurie Colwin, Sally Rooney (sorry), George Saunders, Joan Didion, Amy
Liptrot, Elif Batuman, Sarah Waters, Ottessa Moshfegh, Donna Tartt, Tana
French, & Fernanda Melchor.
“I’m also very keen to see anything that shares
themes or style with wonderful shows like Succession, The White Lotus, I May
Destroy You, or Severance – anything that has you on the edge of your seat one
minute (even if just from the world’s most awkward conversation), laughing the
next, and feeling punched in the chest by the time the credits roll.
Query Daisy at: dchandley@pfd.co.uk
Include the first three chapters (or around fifty
pages) of your novel, as well as a full synopsis and a covering letter, with a
brief CV of your writing career, if appropriate. For nonfiction projects,
please send a detailed proposal, alongside the covering letter and CV.
Laurie Robertson is an agent representing books and
journalism. After completing a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing at
the University of Westminster, she worked in the sales team at Dorling
Kindersley before joining Peters Fraser + Dunlop in 2017 as assistant to CEO
Caroline Michel. She began building her own list in 2020.
“I am actively looking for literary,
bookclub and upmarket commercial fiction Strong, original voices, uplifting
narratives and clever storytelling,” says Laurie. “I am drawn to fiction with
strong emotional hooks and complex characters that become part of your life.
Stories with beautiful prose, with sentences you can’t help but underline and
write down in whatever paper or device available. Some fiction I have enjoyed
recently includes Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason, Deesha Philyaw’s The Secret
Lives of Church Ladies, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle
Zevin… anything from Curtis Sittenfeld or Elena Ferrante.
“On the nonfiction side, I am looking for stories
that surprise you and challenge you, and narratives that make you laugh as well
as make you think. I also represent cookery and am looking for food writers
that can transport you, whether that be to a place or a feeling, celebrating
food and the joy of eating.
“I am always looking for feminist narratives both in
fiction and in nonfiction, and I’m particularly interested in voices from
underrepresented backgrounds.”
Query Laurie at: lrobertson@pfd.co.uk
Lucy Irvine is an Agent working primarily on children’s books,
but also science fiction and fantasy for adults. After graduating from
University College London with an MA in Issues in Modern Culture in 2017, she
interned at Agora Books, PFD’s publishing arm, before becoming assistant to CEO
Caroline Michel. She began building her own list in 2019 and was promoted to
Agent in June 2021.
Alongside building her own list
of clients, Lucy sells foreign rights in children’s and YA titles in Eastern
Europe, Russia, Portugal, Indonesia, and Brazil, and handles audio narration
rights for the agency.
“My taste is generally very
broad,” says Lucy. “I represent anything that falls under the Childrens
umbrella, from picture books to YA, as well as Science Fiction and Fantasy in
the Adult market.
“I’m being very selective with
the picture books I take on at the moment, but am particularly looking here for
funny stories with returnable potential and unexpected twists on popular
themes.
“My taste in middle-grade books
veers towards the commercial; I’m drawn to quick-paced, adventurous narratives
with series potential. I love stories set in worlds that pull you in and stay
with you long after you’ve finished reading, and am particularly keen to see
original worldbuilding and hooky, plot driven narratives. I would love to find
something in the vein of Maria Kuznair’s The Ship of Shadows or
B.B. Alston’s Amari and the Night Brothers. I’m
also very drawn to reimagined folktales, myths, and legends, especially from
voices traditionally less represented within publishing. Some middle-grade
books I grew up on and adored include The Roman Mysteries,
the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, and the Percy Jackson series.
On the YA side, I love all kinds
of genre fiction, from fantasy to historical to romance to thriller. I’m drawn
to romances with a twist, and am particularly looking here for diverse voices
and protagonists. SFF wise I’m keen to see original world-building, and love
anything that genre bends or offers a fresh take on traditional themes. A few
YA books I’ve recently loved include Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake
Dating, The Upper World, and (belatedly!) Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. I
am a perpetual fan of enemies/rivals to lovers, fake-dating, found-family,
unexpected friendships, and platonic love stories.
“Adult wise, I accept
submissions in anything that falls under the SFF umbrella, from urban to epic
fantasy, from space opera to steampunk, but am not the right person for
anything too grimdark, or anything with graphic sexual violence. I would love
to find something with the ambition and wit of Gideon
the Ninth, or the scope and narrative-weaving of The Priory of the Orange Tree.
“I am always looking for diverse
writers and protagonists across race, sexuality, gender, and disability.
“Across the board, I’d love to
find stories with casts of characters that make me feel as much as the Stranger Things characters make me feel (which is,
to say, a lot).”
Query Lucy at: lirvine@pfd.co.uk
See PFD’s submissions page here.
Literary ageng Olga Filina will be
guest speaker for the July 30, 2023
"How to Get Published" workshop
If you’re interested in meeting an agent and in
getting published, don’t miss our upcoming How to Get
Published workshop. Details here.
If you're interested in writing for children or for young
adults, join us for a weekly class this summer (see here) or in the
fall (see here).
And don't miss upcoming one-day Kid Lit workshops with an editor
from a children's publisher. See here.
Check out upcoming writing
retreats here {and
scroll down - because there's usually more than one)
See all of Brian’s upcoming weekly writing classes, one-day workshops, and
weekend retreats here.
Navigation tips: Always check out the Labels underneath a post; they’ll lead you to various distinct collections of postings. If you're searching for interviews with literary agents or a literary agent who represents a particular type of book, check out this post.
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