Illustration by Kim Siew
Submissions
Our agents are open to submissions intermittently throught the year. Please see below for more details about our interest areas.
Our submission process works through QUERY MANAGER.
If you have issues submitting via this platform, please email us directly at hello@annabelbarker.com
If you are using AI for any aspect of your submission, please be transparent in your query. We do not accept submissions that have used AI in the written or illustrative components of creative work.
I am open to fiction and non-fiction for adults. I am also open to middle grade and young adult projects.
Some of my favourite recent books of fiction include: Theory and Practice by Michelle de Kretser, Sunbathing by Isobel Beech, Cold Enough for Snow by Jessica Au and An Exciting and Vivid Inner Life by Paul Dalla Rosa. I have a soft spot for smart chick-lit in the vein of Nora Ephron, Katherine Heiny and Candace Bushnell – think: love stories and chatty memoirs. In the world of non-fiction, I adore the work of Helen Garner, Anna Funder, Lech Blaine and Jia Tolentino but am open to projects of different kinds across culture, history, memoir, psychology and lifestyle. I’m always on the lookout for a great real-life middle grade story, in the vein of Nova Weetman and Rebecca Lim. I’m increasingly interested in fast-paced adventure stories across middle-grade and YA – big fan of Tristan Bancks and Mark Smith. I’m also drawn to LGBTQ stories for young adults, like Holden Sheppard’s Invisible Boys and Erin Gough’s Amelia Westlake. Above all, I am compelled by diverse, distinct and memorable voices.
I am not taking on illustration clients. I am not a good fit for science fiction, fantasy or horror.
Annabel Barker
Agent
CLOSED TO QUERIES
Annabel Barker is currently CLOSED to queries.
I’m a specialist in writing for young people, particularly young-adult and middle-grade fiction. I read widely in these age groups, across genres including fantasy, romance, thriller and adventure. I’m drawn to original voices, immersive worlds and stories that are full of heart. I am always on the lookout for stories that engage teen readers.
I also represent illustrators and look for artists with a distinctive aesthetic and a strong storytelling instinct, whether they’re working in picture books, graphic novels or other illustrated formats.
For adults I’m drawn to contemporary and historical fiction with a strong sense of place, compelling narrative and book-club appeal. I’m also interested in illustrated and narrative non-fiction across lifestyle, design, travel and food and drink.
Above all, I look for work with the potential to stand out in a competitive market.