Alice Williams is a London-based children's book specialist who represents writers and illustrators across the full children's publishing spectrum — from picture books through YA and non-fiction — with a particular eye for diverse voices.
In brief
Alice Williams Literary is a dedicated children's book agency, meaning every submission competes within a specialist list — this is not a generalist agent who handles children's as a side category.
The agency's own page confirms representation of both writers AND illustrators, making it one of the few agencies where author-illustrators and stand-alone illustrators can query directly.
Represented clients include Lara Hawthorne, Pete Williamson, Fabi Santiago, Rachel Delahaye, and Paul Whitfield — a roster that signals consistent interest in illustrated children's content and middle-grade fiction.
The agency has operated continuously since at least 2018, suggesting an established network of publisher relationships in the UK children's market.
Diverse fiction, BIPOC voices, and LGBTQ stories are explicitly flagged as areas of interest, indicating a deliberate editorial commitment rather than a passing mention.
Lately
The agency's current website positions Alice Williams Literary explicitly as a children's book specialist, representing writers and illustrators across picture books, young fiction, middle grade, YA, and non-fiction — confirming the full children's age-range remit is active.
What Alice is looking for
As a children's book specialist, picture books sit at the core of Alice Williams Literary's identity. Both writer-illustrator packages and standalone text submissions from author-illustrators appear to be welcome, consistent with the agency's explicit illustrator representation. The roster signals a love for visually inventive, character-driven work.
Middle grade is a clear pillar of the list. Current clients writing in this space suggest appetite for adventurous, emotionally resonant stories for roughly 8–12-year-old readers. Diverse perspectives and distinctive voices appear to be strong draws.
YA fiction is part of the agency's stated remit. Given the specialist children's focus, submissions here should feel squarely aimed at a teen readership with a strong sense of voice and story. LGBTQ and diverse YA narratives align with the agency's broader editorial values.
The agency's own page references 'young fiction' as a distinct category alongside middle grade, pointing to appetite for early chapter books and bridge titles for newly independent readers.
Non-fiction for young readers is explicitly listed on the agency's current page, making this a genuine — if likely selective — area of interest. Projects with a strong visual or narrative concept would fit best given the agency's illustrated-book heritage.
Diversity is not a sub-clause here — it is called out as a primary category in its own right. Alice Williams Literary actively seeks writers from underrepresented backgrounds and stories centring BIPOC and LGBTQ experiences across all children's age ranges.
Uniquely among many children's literary agencies, Alice Williams Literary explicitly represents illustrators as a distinct group, with a dedicated illustrators section on the agency site. Illustrators — not just author-illustrators — may query, though writers should check current submission guidelines to confirm the process for illustration-only submissions.
Not the right fit
On Alice's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Alice
Alice Williams Literary is a children's-only agency — make absolutely certain your project fits the children's or YA space before querying; adult fiction will not be considered.
The agency represents illustrators as a distinct group, so author-illustrators should be explicit about whether they are submitting text only, art only, or a combined package — this distinction matters here more than at most agencies.
Diverse voices and stories centring BIPOC and LGBTQ experiences are a named priority; if your work reflects underrepresented perspectives, say so clearly and early in your query letter.
Read the live submissions guidelines on the agency site carefully before sending — specialist agencies often have specific formatting requirements and may open and close to particular categories on a rolling basis.
Alice works with creators 'at every stage of their career,' so debut writers and illustrators should not be discouraged from querying — the agency explicitly welcomes newcomers alongside established names.
Because this is a UK-based agency, be aware of rights territory conventions; if you are querying from outside the UK, note that in your submission and confirm the agency handles international clients (the roster suggests it does).
Check the live submissions page immediately before querying — status was confirmed open in May 2026, but specialist agencies can shift to closed or selective windows without advance notice.