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Friday, June 30, 2023

11 literary agents at Peters Fraser + Dunlop in the UK seek new authors

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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