Every year I try to update this post - one of the most popular posts on my blog. I hope it's helpful. If you are a published writer or illustrator and would like to recommend your agent, please contact me. I'd be delighted to add your agent to the list.
All the agents on this list are recommended by people in the know - their writers and illustrators. Thank you to all the writers and illustrators who responded to my call out for recommendations.
WHY DO YOU NEED AN AGENT?
In Ireland we are lucky to have the O’Brien Press whose editors are happy to read unsolicited manuscripts. You can send your book directly to one of their editors. Submission details are on their website and they publish a wide range of fiction and non-fiction for children and young people: https://www.obrien.ie/submissions
The gang at Little Island are also happy to read unsolicited manuscripts however I see from their website they are not currently open to submissions (until mid 2020). https://littleisland.ie/submissions/
Gill Books publish some terrific picturebooks, children’s novels and children’s non-fiction: https://www.gillbooks.ie/write-for-us
Mercier and Poolbeg also publish children’s books and accept unsolicited manuscripts.
But most UK publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts so you will need to submit your work through an agent.
WHAT DOES AN AGENT DO EXACTLY?
1/ An agent can advise you on your manuscript and on how to make it more attractive to a publisher. Some of them will act as unofficial editors to their clients or at the very least can suggest changes or improvements. They are also excellent at coming up with zippy book titles as I’ve discovered.
2/ An agent can find the right editor or publisher for your work – like a book matchmaker. And they can sell your UK, US, digital and foreign rights. They can also look after any film or television rights.
3/ Agents deal with the difficult and technical area of contracts. This is particularly important at the moment as digital rights can be tricky.
4/ Financial back up – they can chase up your royalties and talk to your publishers about outstanding monies owed to you.
These days having potential isn’t enough, your manuscript must be as perfect as you can make it before it goes anywhere near a publisher. A good agent can play a vital role in this process.
WHO REPRESENTS SOME OF THE BEST CHILDREN'S WRITERS?
Remember to check each agent’s website for submission guidelines before you send anything out. Or ring the agency for details – I know it’s daunting but they are always happy to advise you on how (or if) to submit. Be warned – you may get the agent herself/himself on the phone. Be prepared.
RECOMMENDED CHILDREN’S AGENTS: IRISH WRITERS
Eoin Colfer is represented by Sophie Hicks. Sophie is a very experienced agent and her writers rate her highly. She also represents Oisín McGann. www.sophiehicksagency.com
Lucy Coats adds ‘Sophie Hicks of SHA is, of course, the best agent in the world! Sympathetic and positive in adversity, great sense of humour and fights her authors’ corner like a tigress on speed. Highly recommended.’
Derek Landy is represented by Michelle Kass, who also represents Patrick Ness. www.michellekass.co.uk
Darren Shan is represented by Christopher Little For general enquiries email: www.christopherlittle.net
Sarah Webb and Chris Judge are represented by the wonderful Philippa Milnes Smith at LAW
Steve McCarthy says: ‘I'll second that for Philippa! I can attest to her kindness, wise-ness and hilarity.’
Contact: https://thesohoagency.co.uk/submission
Marita Conlon McKenna is represented by Caroline Sheldon www.carolinesheldon.co.uk
Patricia Forde is represented by Anne Clarke. Trish says ‘She is absolutely wonderful and I recommend her wholeheartedly!’
http://anneclarkliteraryagency.moonfruit.com/home/4574290903
Elizabeth Rose Murray recommends her agent, Sallyanne Sweeney of Mulcahy Associates (London). She says she’s ‘supportive, thorough, creative, knowledgeable & really champions her authors. And she really loves children’s/YA literature too – always a bonus!’
Let's hear from some other Irish writers:
Dave Rudden: 'I'm with Clare Wallace at Darley Anderson - can't recommend her enough!'
Clare also represents Olivia Hope.
Shirley McMillan: 'My agent is Jenny Savill at Andrew Nurnberg Associates. She is wonderful.'
Jenny also represents Nigel Quinlan.
Sinéad O'Hart is represented by Polly Nolan who is also recommended by Louis Stowell.
Celine Kiernan says: 'I changed agencies late 2015. I am with Sallyanne Sweeney now, of Mulcahy Literary Agency. Have worked with her on two books now and find her wonderful.'
Sheena Wilkinson: ‘Faith O'Grady. Not a children's specialist -- handy as I am writing adult now, but very supportive and approachable. Based in Dublin.’
Sheena Dempsey says: ‘Felicity Trew is absolutely brilliant, a determined bulldog but with a lovely manner and thorough to the last where contracts are concerned. Incredibly supportive where editorial and art direction are concerned. Always pushes for better terms. Top marks.’
Marianne Gunn O'Connor represents Shane Hegarty and Cecelia Ahern.
OTHER RECOMMENDED AGENTS - UK AND INTERNATIONAL WRITERS
Cathy Cassidy is represented by Darley Anderson and highly recommends him.
Eve Ainsworth: 'I'm with Stephanie Thwaites at Curtis Brown, she's fab.'
Russell Sanderson and Lu Hersey recommend their agent, Ben Illis.
Zana Fraillon recommends her agent, Claire Wilson.
Julia Churchill at A M Heath who says 'my speciality is checking if people need to go to loo before meetings.' I have met Julia several times and she is a funny and smart woman who knows her onions. Well worth sending your manuscript to. Nikki Sheehan says Julia 'would win against 100 horse sized ducks.'
Jo Nadin says: ‘I love Julia Churchill without reservation. She’s quietly kickass, clever, kind, and, best of all, listens.’
Mark Burgess: 'I’m represented by excellent & wonderful Nancy Miles of Miles Stott Children's Literary Agency. She also represents Gill Lewis & Frances Hardinge.'
Sarah McIntyre: ‘I'm represented by Jodie Hodges at United Agents, she's brilliant! I couldn't do without her, she keeps my life in order.’
Catherine MacPhail says: ‘Caroline Sheldon. Always keeps in touch. Great agent.’
Cathy Brett says ‘And Felicity Trew, Caroline's co-agent. A little terrier!’
Mary Hoffman: ‘ It was Pat White and, since her retirement, is now Claire Wilson, both of Rogers, Coleridge and White.’
Also recommend are:
Eve White, Eve White Literary Agency
Catherine Clarke at Felicity Bryan
Robert Kirby at United Agents
Jodie Hodges at United Agents (recommended by William Bee); Catherine Mary Summerhayes, Jo Unwin and Clare Conville at United Agents
Hilary Delamere at The Agency
Lindsey Fraser at Fraser Ross
Gemma Cooper at The Bent Agency
Penny Holroyde at Holroyde Cartey
Elizabeth Roy – www.elizabethroy.co.uk
Laura Cecil – www.lauracecil.co.uk
Madeleine Milburn – www.madeleinemilburn.co.uk
Sam Copeland and Claire Wilson at Rogers Coleridge and White – www.rcwlitagency.com
Good luck with finding a great agent!