THE Lindsay Literary Agency was founded in 2008 by Becky Bagnell, after whose maiden name the company is known. Becky has worked in publishing for over 25 years and started her career whilst still a student at Trinity College Dublin reading manuscripts for the Lilliput Press and being paid initially only in books.

Becky moved to Macmillan in London in 1996 where she worked as a commissioning editor and was fortunate to work alongside authors such as Max Hastings, Robert Service and John Simpson. One of the first books Becky commissioned was Bear Grylls’ debut, Facing Up.

The agency represents a wide range of writers most of which came to them as unpublished authors looking for their first break in the industry. The agency specialises in writing for children and so represents everything from picture books to Young Adult fiction as well as non-fiction for young people. Finding new authors that all important initial publishing deal is what makes the agency tick and so please do look at our submissions guidelines for further information on how to submit. The Lindsay Literary Agency is a member of the Association of Authors’ Agents.
What we do:

Every author is unique, but in general the kinds of services we provide for our authors are as follows:

  • Offer editorial advice and comments on an author’s script and work closely to ensure that the text is in best shape for submission to Publishers
  • Place work with an appropriate publisher, carefully assessing the balance between editorial support, financial terms and marketing commitment
  • We provide strong negotiation on all contracts making sure you win optimum terms and conditions
  • Sell translation rights
  • Sell international rights including USA
  • Chase payments
  • Negotiate royalty rates with particular attention to areas such as high discount royalty rates
  • Advise on new writing and proposals, suggesting new directions where appropriate
  • Keep in touch with commercial trends
  • Exploit rights in all media including film and television

The basic commission we charge on advance and royalties is 15% in the home market, and 20% on the sale of rights to America and in translation, Film and TV.