LAST UPDATED: June 2025
This list of Australian literary agents is a companion piece to my post listing Australian publishers open to unsolicited manuscript submissions.
While it’s not essential to get a literary agent in Australia to land a traditional publishing deal, you’ll have a much stronger chance of success if you do.
As you scroll through you’ll see that not all agents listed are accepting submissions at this time. That tends to change regularly.
This list, which contains members of The Australian Association of Literary Agents as well as agents who are not, is updated every quarter.
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Alex Adsett Literary
Agent: Alex Adsett, Abigail Nathan & Rochelle Fernandez
Website: https://alexadsett.com.au
Submission page: https://alexadsett.com.au/submissions
Agent Query Link:https://querymanager.com/AlexAdsettQueries
https://querymanager.com/query/AbigailNathanQueries
https://querymanager.com/query/3065
Note: They state they are always looking for amazing works, but they are currently not accepting open submissions unless you meet one of their exceptions which are as follows (taken directly from their submission page):
- You have been invited to submit pursuant to a formal or informal pitch to one of our agents.
Keep an eye on our FindUs page for manuscript pitching opportunities, or social media as to events we might be attending. - If someone we know and trust has personally recommended you to us.
- You are an author from an under-represented or diverse background – First Nations, authors of colour, authors from marginalised cultures, neuroatypical authors, authors with disability, or authors from varied socio-economic circumstances. Until mainstream publishing has addressed the imbalance with diversity, we will continue to offer a submission pathway to under-represented and diverse authors.
- If we see you regularly at conferences or events, you’re a friend, we have shouted about how much we love your books, and/or you are part of the publishing community.
Annabel Barker Agency
Agent: Annabel Barker
Website: https://annabelbarker.com
Submission page: https://annabelbarker.com/submissions
Agent Query Link: hello@annabelbarker.com
Not accepting submissions at this time
Note: All submissions are currently closed. Their site says they try to open submissions in August 2025. For the most current information, check their website or Instagram.
Australian Literary Management
Agent: Lyn Tranter
Website: https://austlit.com
Submission page: https://austlit.com/submissions
Agent Query Link: alphaalm8@gmail.com
Not accepting submissions at this time
Note: Your work should not currently be considered by another agent or by a publisher when you make a submission to ALM. They do not look at work that has already been rejected by a number of publishers. At this time they are not looking at children’s books by unpublished authors, science fiction, fantasy, anything in the self-help genre, plays, poetry, short stories or screenplays. They do not accept submissions from authors who are not Australian residents. Ensure you attach a 1-2 page synopsis of your work. All attached work should be formatted as a Word Doc or a PDF and should be set out with 1.5 spacing.
Black Inc
Website: https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/
Submission page: https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/submissions
Agent Query Link: submissions@blackincbooks.com
Note: They only accept emailed submissions proposals from Australian writers in the first week of every month (1st – 7th). Not currently accepting unsolicited fiction submissions, poetry, plays/scripts, YA, middle grade or picture books. Include: Title & genre in subject line, contact details, word count, 300-word synopsis, short bio (incl. publications/awards), comp titles/audience, and 50–100 double-spaced pages (Word/PDF). Writing sample required.
Curtis Brown
Agents: Clare Forster, Fiona Inglis, Pippa Masson, Tara Wynne
Website: https://www.curtisbrown.com.au
Submission page: https://www.curtisbrown.com.au/submissions
Agent Query Link: submission@curtisbrown.com.au
Note: They are unable to consider a work that is already published or is under contract. Curtis Brown welcomes submissions during the months of March and August only. Submissions will open on the 1st of the month and will close on the last day of the month. Manuscripts received outside this window will be deleted without consideration or reply. They welcome submissions from any writer and have no prerequisites for work we receive.
Golvan Arts Management
Agent: Debbie Golvan
Website: https://www.golvanarts.com.au
Submission page: https://www.golvanarts.com.au/info/about-golvan-arts
Agent Query Link: https://www.golvanarts.com.au/contact-us
Note: They request a brief written description of the project and some background information about the author, as well as details of any publisher, producer, or other purchaser who is interested in buying rights to the work. Also, include the first one to three pages of your manuscript ONLY. Include in your email if you have already sent your proposal or manuscript to another agent or if publishers or producers have already seen or rejected it. They only represent Australian or Australian-based clients.
High Spot Literary
Agent: Vicki Marsdon, Nadine Nathan, Catherine Wallace, Fergus Inder
Website: https://www.highspotlit.com/
Submission page: https://www.highspotlit.com/submission-information
Agent Query Link: Not accepting submissions at this time
Note: They are CLOSED to submissions until further notice. Please choose only one agent to submit to and they say that if you submit outside of the first two days of each month, they reserve the right to delete your submission. When submitting, they would like to see A full synopsis with spoilers or a detailed book proposal if non-fiction, the first 3 chapters of your manuscript, the shorter, descriptive text that might appear on the back cover of your novel or book, a short bio (around 5 lines), and details of your manuscript assessment (if any).
HLA Management
Agent: Hilary Linstead
Website: https://www.hlamgt.com.au
Submission page: https://www.hlamgt.com.au/contact-us
Agent Query Link: Not accepting submissions at this time
Note: “HLA Management is not accepting unsolicited material or solicitations at this time. Requests for representation operate exclusively by referral.
HMMG Pty Ltd
Agent: Rachel Barrett
Website: https://www.harrymmiller.com.au
Submission page: No submission page
Agent Query Link: hmm@harrymmiller.com
Not accepting submissions at this time
Note: Literary submissions and screenplays are not being currently accepted.
Jacinta di Mase Management
Agent: Jacinta di Mase
Website: https://www.jacintadimase.com.au
Submission page: https://www.jacintadimase.com.au/submissions
Agent Query Link: Not accepting submissions at this time
Note: Other than those they read at publishing events, they are not currently accepting unsolicited manuscripts. Check their website often for updates and their Facebook and Instagram pages for events they will be attending!
Jane Novak Literary Agency
Agent: Jane Novak
Website: https://www.janenovak.com
Submission page: https://www.janenovak.com/submissions
Agent Query Link: Not accepting submissions at this time
Note: Submissions to the agency are currently closed.
Jenny Darling & Associates
Agent: Jenny Darling
Website: http://jennydarling.com.au
Submission page: http://jennydarling.com.au/submissions
Agent Query Link: Not accepting submissions at this time
Note: They are currently not accepting submissions. Jenny Darling represents Australian authors only.
Key People Literary Management
Agent: Jeanne Ryckmans and Lou Johnson
Website: https://www.keypeoplelm.com
Submission page: https://www.keypeoplelm.com/representation
Agent Query Link: info@keypeoplelm.com
Note: They request all emails include a short message about you, including your bio with relevant experience, previous works, testimonials, reviews, and any useful statistics as well as a brief summary of your latest work, a synopsis, 3 – 5 key selling points, who the target audience/readership is, and a writing sample (approximately 3 chapters and the table of contents or chapter outline).
Margaret Connolly & Associates
Agent: Margaret Connolly
Website: https://margaretconnollyagency.wordpress.com
Submission page: https://margaretconnolly.com/contact
Agent Query Link: contact@margaretconnolly.com
Note: Does not directly state on the site if she is open to submissions.
Margaret Gee Literary Agency
Agents: Margaret Gee
Website: http://margaretgee.com
Submission page: no submission page
Agent Query Link: margaret@margaretgee.com
Note: Manuscripts: Please send a query note to her by email first. Non-commissioned manuscripts posted in will not be returned. She is no longer accepting manuscripts by unpublished authors.
Margaret Kennedy Agency
Agents: Margaret Kennedy, Hannah Douglas
Website: https://www.margaretkennedyagency.com
Submission page: https://www.margaretkennedyagency.com/submissions
Agent Query Link: hannah@margaretkennedyagency.com
Note: They are currently accepting submissions of adult fiction and literary non-fiction in the months of January and July only. Submissions made at other times will not be considered. Submissions require a brief letter explaining what your work is about, and how or why you have come to write it, plus 50 pages of your work in Word format (less, if the whole work is less). For non-fiction, they require a brief letter explaining your concept, plus a book proposal that includes * a project outline * a proposed chapter summary *a list of any comparable titles *a sample chapter/essay (in Word format). Please note whether you have already completed the project.
Melanie Ostell Agency
Agent: Melanie Ostell
Website: https://melanieostell.com.au
Submission page: https://melanieostell.com.au/contact
Agent Query Link: http://querymanager.com/MelanieOstellLiterary
Note: Submissions window is currently closed and will reopen on Friday August 15, 2025.
Fiction submissions are accepted only when manuscript is complete and polished. Non-fiction proposals should include a detailed outline and at least one sample chapter.
Submit via Query Manager during open periods only, no direct emails or queries. Include full contact details, brief bio, 300-word synopsis, draft number, word count, genre, and whether it’s a multiple submission.
AI-assisted manuscripts will not be considered.
New Author Collective
Agent: Dr Bella Ellwood-Clayton, Lisa Heidke
Website: https://newauthorscollective.com/
Submission page: https://newauthorscollective.com/submissions/
Agent Query Email: newauthorscollective@gmail.com
Note: Not currently accepting submissions
Seeks well-crafted, original adult fiction (literary, commercial, thriller, historical, mystery, romance) and nonfiction (memoir, history). Excludes poetry, short stories, YA, sci-fi, horror, academic, and other genres. Prefers authors aligned with NAC’s collaborative ethos.
Submissions by referral are prioritized; unsolicited submissions are rare and undergo a rigorous, multi-month editorial process with multiple rounds of revisions.
Submission requirements:
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Email subject: name, title, genre, word count
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Include contact info, website, social media links, 100-word bio
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Fiction: one-page synopsis + first 50 pages of manuscript
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Nonfiction: book proposal + 2–3 sample chapters
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Manuscripts in Word, 12pt Times New Roman, double spaced, left justified, chapters start on new page
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Confirm originality, permissions, professional editing, and proofreading
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Disclose prior self-publishing or submissions
NewSouth Publishing
Website: https://unsw.press/
Submission page: https://unsw.press/submissions/
Agent Query Email: submissions@unswpress.com.au
Note:
Publishes a wide range of non-fiction, including literary, scholarly, and general interest titles. Particularly interested in works that offer fresh perspectives and engage with big ideas. Welcomes submissions from under-represented voices, including First Nations writers, writers of colour, LGBTQ+ authors, and disabled writers.
Submissions should include a proposal outlining the book, a chapter breakdown, target audience, comparable titles, two sample chapters, and an author bio or CV. Scholarly submissions should also list potential peer reviewers. Does not accept fiction
Sarah McKenzie Literary Management
Agent: Sarah McKenzie
Website: http://www.smlm.com.au
Submission page: http://www.smlm.com.au
Agent Query Link: submissions@smlm.com.au
Note:
Accepting adult fiction (excl. sci-fi), nonfiction (excl. academic/spiritual), and children’s fiction. Not accepting self-published works, sci-fi, novellas, poetry, or authors outside Australia/New Zealand.
Fiction: Email with title, author, genre, cover letter, word count, 1–2 page synopsis, ~20 pages or full picture book, author bio, and prior submission info.
Nonfiction: Email with title, author, genre, cover letter, 1-page summary, author bio, 1–2 sample chapters, detailed contents, promotional info, and prior submission info.
No hard copies or phone queries. Multiple submissions allowed with disclosure; projects sent to 3+ publishers unlikely to be considered.
Shaw Literary
Agent: Martin Shaw
Website: http://thebooksdesk.com
Submission page: http://thebooksdesk.com/#submissions
Agent Query Link: martin@thebooksdesk.com
Note: Include a cover letter, synopsis, and a short bio. They’ll mostly consider catholic genres, the agency does also lean towards outstanding literary fiction, irresistible commercial fiction, and strong non-fiction.
Also include if your manuscript has been entered into a literary competition with a publisher affiliation, or has been directly submitted to a publisher or literary agent, either currently or in the past.
Thames & Hudson Australia
Website: https://thamesandhudson.com.au/
Submission page: https://thamesandhudson.com.au/contact/getting-published/
Note: Publishes illustrated books and narrative nonfiction focused on Australian content, especially in the areas of art, design, fashion, architecture, history, science, photography, gardens, and popular culture. Also publishes children’s books. Not accepting fiction or poetry.
Submissions must include a synopsis, table of contents, sample text and images, market overview, promotional background, and a short author bio. Children’s book proposals should specify the intended age group. Email only; total file size under 5MB.
The Author’s Agent
Agent: Brian Cook
Website: http://theauthorsagent.com.au
Submission page: http://theauthorsagent.com.au/index.php?page=guidelines
Agent Query Address: THE AUTHORS’ AGENT: PO Box 577, Terrigal NSW 2260
Note:
Welcomes submissions from professional and unpublished writers with highly polished work by post only. Accepts adult fiction, narrative nonfiction, and children’s/YA.
Include: 300–1000 word synopsis with word count, first chapter + 2–3 more chapters or 15,000 words (or 20+ pages for children’s), author bio (100–500 words), prior submissions, and contact info. Add a stamped, self-addressed envelope for replies.
Does not accept early drafts, original materials, or digital media. Pages must be numbered and printed single-sided, double-spaced on A4.
The Calidris Literary Agency
Agents: Sally Bird
Website: https://calidrislitagency.com/
Submission page: https://calidrislitagency.com/faq/guidelines-for-authors/
Agent Query Link:https://calidrislitagency.com/contact
Note:
Accepts email submissions only. No sci-fi, fantasy, speculative fiction, children’s books, poetry, or screenplays. Authors must send a preliminary email first (no attachments via contact form).
Submissions should include:
– First 3 chapters + 1-page synopsis (Word only)
– Table of contents (for nonfiction)
– Market analysis and comparable titles
– Author bio with relevant experience/publications
– Note any professional manuscript assessments
– Clearly state if manuscript is submitted elsewhere
All pages must be numbered. Multiple submissions allowed with disclosure. Responses acknowledged by email.
The Drummond Agency
Agents: Sheila Drummond
Website: http://www.drummondagency.com.au/index.htm
Submission page: http://www.drummondagency.com.au/submission_guidelines.htm
Agent Query Link: Not accepting submissions at this time
Note: They are currently closed to all submissions until further notice. They do not accept submissions from outside Australia, unless the author is an Australian or New Zealand citizen.
Ultimo Books
Website: https://ultimopress.com.au/
Submission page: https://ultimopress.com.au/pages/getting-published
Agent Query Link: Not accepting submissions at this time
Note: Currently closed to unsolicited submissions. When open (expected 2025), submissions are accepted via an online form. Fiction submissions require a full manuscript; nonfiction proposals should include a chapter outline and three sample chapters.
Writers will be asked to provide a pitch, audience overview, 500-word synopsis, author bio, and comparable titles. Manuscripts must be in Word format, double-spaced in Times New Roman. No response means the submission has not been accepted; individual feedback is not provided.
Wolf Literary Services
Agent: Rach Crawford
Website: https://wolflit.com
Submission page: https://querymanager.com/query/rachac
Agent Query Link: Not accepting submissions at this time https://querymanager.com/query/rachac
Note: Rach accepts queries exclusively via query manager. To submit to WLS, please send a query letter and sample manuscript pages (for fiction) or your full proposal (for nonfiction). Please query only one WLS agent at a time.
Zeitgeist Agency
Agent: Benython Oldfield, Sharon Galant, Thomasin Chinnery, Samuel Bernard
Website: https://www.zeitgeistagency.com
Submission page: https://www.zeitgeistagency.com/submissions-1
Agent Query Link: Not currently accepting submissions https://www.zeitgeistagency.com/submissions-1
Note:
Currently closed to submissions. When open, only agent Samuel Bernard will accept queries.
Focus areas: literary fiction, commercial fiction, crime, historical fiction, rom-com, romantasy, memoir, and narrative nonfiction. Not accepting picture books at this time.
During open periods, submissions are accepted via a form (released Fridays, 5pm AEDT). Required: title, genre, word count, 30-word pitch, 100-word bio, 200-word synopsis, comp titles, 100-word note, and first 500 words of manuscript.
Only one submission per author. Replies only if interested.
