Laura Macdougall

As a literary agent, I am lucky to work closely with a huge range of writers, across fiction and non-fiction and at different stages of their careers. I read widely and eclectically, and my list reflects my broad tastes as a reader. I have a background in classical languages and philosophy, so as well as being seduced by great writing and by an author with something new to say, I have a particular interest in books that tackle questions of what makes us who we are and the events – big or small - that shape human lives.

As a queer woman, I represent a large number of LGBTQ+ writers and I’m particularly keen to hear from those who also identify as LGBTQ+ and who are exploring the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ lives in their writing. I’m a former judge of the Green Carnation Prize and in 2019 I won the inaugural Inclusion Award from the RNA for my work championing diversity and inclusivity in publishing. In 2017, I was included in the Bookseller’s list of Rising Stars and in 2022 I was shortlisted for Literary Agent of the Year at the annual industry awards (the "Nibbies"). My list includes a number of Sunday Times bestsellers and my clients have been recognised by prizes such as The Booker Prize, the National Book Award and the Polari Prize.

I am always keen to hear from new writers. At the moment I’m particularly keen to find: an epic family saga in the vein of Maeve Binchy or Rosamunde Pilcher; an engrossing, compelling love story (especially it it centres on queer or other under-represented voices and stories); a novel - whether commercial or literary - that focusses on ENM or poly relationships; an engrossing historical novel; novels about friendships or sisters; literary fiction that plays with form and structure. In non-fiction, I’m looking for ‘big ideas’ books as well more narrative non-fiction (by which I mean non-fiction that reads like fiction) on a wide range of topics. I’d love to hear from authors writing in the areas of: popular science, psychology and culture; sport; history; race, class, gender, sexuality and identity.

I started my publishing career in 2010 in the fiction department of Hodder & Stoughton, working with authors such as David Nicholls and Stephen King, as well as publishing some literary, reading group and historical fiction titles. I then switched sides, becoming a literary agent at Tibor Jones & Associates before joining United Agents in the summer of 2017.

Country of Publication

United Kingdom

Professional Associations

Member of AAA

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