We are based near Oxford and have built a reputation for discovering new talent and matching it to the right publisher.

We represent our writers with enthusiasm and sound business sense, and we offer them candour, encouragement, detailed editorial advice, and a rapid response to queries. We have excellent relationships with publishers large and small, and defend our clients’ interests with vigour and professionalism. And we have extensive experience of negotiating contracts for theatre, film, tv, radio, and digital media, so our authors can be confident of receiving the best advice on all multi-media sales. We also have our own blog - http://www.theampersandagency.co.uk/blog - to stimulate interest in our writers and encourage discussion of their work.

Translation rights form an important part of a writer’s income, and these are handled by The Buckman Agency, a long-established company that is respected by foreign publishers all over the world.

Peter Buckman was on the editorial board of Penguin Books, and moved to New York to be a commissioning editor with the New American Library. He then became a full-time writer, producing books, films, plays, and scripts for tv and radio. Agenting has always been part of his life as he is married to Rosie Buckman, who runs The Buckman Agency with their older daughter Jessica.

Anne-Marie Doulton worked for several years in general publishing as a reader and editor, and more recently as a literary scout.

Peter Janson-Smith ran his own agency for many years and numbered Ian Fleming, Eric Ambler, Gavin Maxwell, and Richard Holmes among his list of distinguished clients.

Patrick Neale is an independent bookseller and has served as a judge for the Whitbread First Novel Award. He represents the independents on the liaison committee of the Publishers’ and Booksellers’ Associations.

What are we looking for? Literary and commercial fiction and non-fiction. Contemporary and historical novels, crime, thrillers, women’s fiction, memoirs, history, biography, cookery – anything that’s well written except poetry, illustrated children’s books, adult fantasy, horror, or science fiction. We only handle play, film and tv scripts by our established clients.

What do we charge? A commission of 15% on UK rights, 15%-20% on US rights, 20% on translation rights, and 15-20% on all other rights, depending on the work involved and any necessary sub-agent’s share. We do not charge a reading fee.

What should you send? A letter and the first couple of chapters so we can see how you write, plus a brief outline and biographical details. We’re happy to receive enquiries via email, but submissions should be sent in hard copy by ordinary mail. They should be printed on one side of the paper, with a minimum font size of 11 point and 1.5 line spacing. All pages should be numbered. We don’t normally acknowledge receipt or offer advice on rejected material, nor will we respond unless you include an email address or an envelope with stamps that can be used in the UK.

Please note: we don’t normally handle unpublished authors based in the USA, as in our experience an American writer needs an American publisher on board before British editors will take notice.