book agents looking for historical fiction

Then there's 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It's set in ancient Rome and is told from the perspective of Claudius, a Roman emperor. It gives an insider's view of the political intrigue, power struggles, and family drama in the Roman imperial court.

Another option is to ask for recommendations from friends or in reading groups. People who are into historical fiction can share their favorite books. For instance, someone might recommend 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, which is set in the Tudor period and gives a vivid picture of that era's politics and society.

One well - known UK book agent for historical fiction could be A.M. Heath. They have a long history of representing a variety of authors in different genres, including historical fiction. Another might be Curtis Brown. They are renowned for their work in the literary world and have represented many historical fiction writers over the years. Also, the Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency has been involved with historical fiction works.

You can start by looking at the acknowledgments section in your favorite historical fiction books. Authors usually thank their agents there, and it can give you a lead. Additionally, join writing groups or forums focused on historical fiction. Members might share their experiences with agents. Social media platforms can also be useful. Search for relevant hashtags and engage with posts related to literary agents and historical fiction.

Book agents for historical fiction can be discovered through industry events. Conferences like the London Book Fair or the Frankfurt Book Fair are great places. Here, you can network with people in the publishing industry, including agents who might be interested in historical fiction. Also, online platforms such as Publishers Marketplace can be useful. It lists agents and their areas of interest, so you can search specifically for those who handle historical fiction.

One UK book agent for historical fiction is PFD (Peter Fraser + Dunlop). They have a good reputation in the industry and have likely represented some historical fiction authors. Another is the Andrew Nurnberg Associates. They are known for their international reach and could be handling historical fiction works as well. And the Sheil Land Associates is also a possible agent in this regard.

One way is to research agencies known for representing historical fiction. Look at their client lists on their websites. For example, some big agencies have sections dedicated to the genres they represent. Another option is to attend writing conferences where agents often scout for new talent. You can also ask other historical fiction authors for referrals. They may have had good experiences with certain agents.

Querying agents directly can also be a method. But before that, make sure your manuscript is polished. Prepare a great query letter that highlights the unique aspects of your historical fiction piece, like the period it's set in, the historical accuracy, and the engaging story. Then send it to agents who have a track record of representing historical fiction or who state that they're interested in this genre in their submission guidelines.

One characteristic is that they often have a specific mission or goal. For example, in a historical spy - related historical fiction, an agent might be tasked with gathering intelligence.

They look for strong characters. In historical fiction, characters need to be believable within the historical context. For example, if it's set in medieval times, the characters' actions, beliefs, and language should match that era. Agents also want a unique plot. It should not be a rehash of common historical fiction tropes. A fresh take on a historical event or period can really catch their attention.