Submissions

Hi! We are currently open to submissions, from 15th March until 30th March. Bella and Annabel will be open to submissions including fiction, non-fiction, YA and middle grade, according to our preferences below.

You can find all the details, and submit, here at Query Manager:

https://QueryTracker.net/query/3527

If you have any problems please email us at hello@annabelbarker.com

Bella Suckling

Associate Agent

OPEN TO QUERIES

I am open to fiction and non-fiction for adults. I will also be open to middle grade and young adult projects.

Some of my favourite recent books of fiction include: Theory and Practice by Michelle de Kretser, Sunbathingby 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

OPEN TO QUERIES

I am a specialist in writing for young people, particularly young adult and middle grade fiction. I read widely across these age groups and am drawn to original voices and stories with heart. I am interested to read fantasy, romance, romantasy and thriller and would love to find an immersive, ambitious YA or upper middle grade series, or a standalone book with a compelling protagonist.

I am also seeking work for adults. I enjoy reading historical fiction and retellings, literary thriller and mystery with a strong sense of place, romance / rom-coms / romantasy as well as contemporary fiction with bookclub appeal. I’m also interested in illustrated and narrative non-fiction across lifestyle, travel, food and drink and contemporary life and culture.

NB I will be open to picture books and illustrators in May 2026. When open, I look for artists with a distinctive style and a strong storytelling instinct, whether they’re working in picture books or other illustrated formats.

During 2026 our submissions will open during clearly defined submission weeks rather than for extended periods. Please do not send your submissions outside of these periods unless by referral or request. Submission will be via Query Manager. Our submission weeks are as follows:

15th March - 30th March 2026:

Bella and Annabel will be open to submissions including fiction, non-fiction, YA and middle grade, according to preferences below

4th - 10th May 2026:

Annabel will be open to picture books (text and / or illustration)

We are also likely to open again later in the year, date tbc

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.