Hello,

I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience with the Christopher Little agency. I was thinking about approaching them, but I'm in two minds about it. As they have JK Rowling on their books I'm sure they get inundated with submissions; and they really don't need to take anyone new on. On the other hand, they have probably made enough money to be able to spend more time looking for new authors. Has anybody got an opinion on them?

I'd say that if they really like the submission they'll represent it, regardless of who else they represent....it's in their genes! Anyway, apart from postage, what's to lose by trying?

I know of new writers they've taken on, so they do consider unsolicited work. However, I think they do take a while to reply, as they're so busy. Worth a shot.
Katie

They turned me down a couple of years ago but softened the blow with a lovely hand-written note saying they were sorry and wishing me luck elsewhere.

Good luck. All you have to lose is the postage.

Dee.

I contacted them in 1991 (that long ago?) My work was not their house style but they did wish me every success for the future. Send your work in, it's the only way to find out. Good Luck

Thanks for the replies.

My first thought was to just go for it, and then I thought is there any point in getting a guaranteed rejection. But I've decided I will give them a try.

Incidentally, I got my first rejection letter today. It was only in response to a preliminary letter, but is it normal for rejection letters to have a pre-printed signature? It was a bit cold.

RM, I've a few pre-printed rejections in my time. They only serve as a reminder that agents are swamped with material, and as unpulished unknowns we are right at the bottom of the food chain - not a pleasant feeling, but one that motivates me to try and change that.

The low point for me this year came after I sent a very carefully composed letter, indicating that I thought that as the agent in question had once worked in the City (the setting for my novel) they might like to read the material I'd enclosed (and this was to an agency that does accept unsolicited work). Six weeks later I got the material back without even a covering letter. I could name and shame, but I'm not that petty. And I have moved on

Anyway, good luck RM.

Adele

<Added>

sorry about the typos - I promise that my work is at least spell-checked before I send it out!

Hi,

New to the site and writing from the States. I've recently queried two literary agencies in London (Christopher Little and PFD) and both asked to read a synopsis and the first three chapters of my novel. It's a middle grade/young adult work. My 9-year-old daughter's teacher read it aloud to her class and they voted it the best of the lot for the year. Flattering, but I'm not buying a bottle of Dom just yet.

Any thoughts on these two agencies?

I'm thoroughly frustrated with my fellow colonists here as I think they've sold their creative souls to satan. The novel was one of 8 finalists (selected from 350 submission) for a national Work-In-Progress, Emerging Author award sponsored by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. This got me hand written rejections instead of the pre-printed ones. I'm hoping the Brits might be a little more open to something new. Wishful thinking?

Just wondering if any of you have any insights you might want to pass along.

Thanks in advance.