Clara Foster is an editorially driven agent at Aevitas Creative Management UK who hunts for voice-first literary and upmarket fiction, adult fantasy and horror, and politically charged YA — with a particular eye for debut writers ready to build long careers.
In brief
Her submission form was directly observed closed on 15 April 2026; she signals reopenings through her personal Instagram, so following her there is the most reliable way to catch the next window.
Her current client roster skews heavily toward fiction — particularly fantasy and upmarket literary — with at least one confirmed six-figure deal on record, signalling genuine commercial reach despite her relatively recent start at the agency.
Her taste in adult literary fiction centres on a strong female lens and structural or tonal adventurousness; she is not chasing trends but rewards writers who surprise her.
She explicitly flagged three near-term priorities as of March 2026: a smart mystery, a fresh vampire narrative, and any genre-bending horror — these are the highest-probability pitches right now.
She accepts non-fiction only by referral, yet her client list includes at least two non-fiction titles — suggesting she is selective and relationship-driven there, not categorically closed.
Lately
As of March 2026, Clara specifically called out three top priorities she wants to find: a genuinely clever mystery, a new take on vampires, and any project that blends horror elements across the categories she already represents.
What Clara is looking for
Clara wants literary contemporary novels with a pronounced female perspective — work that feels simultaneously unfamiliar in structure or approach and deeply recognisable in its emotional truth. These can be bleak, funny, speculative, or starkly realistic; what matters is precise, perceptive prose and an emotional intensity that never lets go. As of March 2026 she is particularly eager to find a smart, well-crafted mystery within this space.
The hardest category to define but among her most active: she wants novels that are clever in conception, beautiful in execution, and genuinely accessible — the trinity, as she puts it. There is no single template; the ambition is the constant. Think myth retelling, domestic reckoning, historical resonance, or social satire — anything that earns both a wide readership and a critical one.
Clara is enthusiastic across the full range of adult fantasy and horror. She loves historical romantasy that balances genuine heart, heat, and world-building; urban fantasy and academic settings; and wholly invented worlds with a distinct authorial vision. Body horror is explicitly welcome. As of March 2026 she is actively seeking a fresh vampire novel and any project that weaves genre-blending horror elements into an otherwise literary or upmarket frame.
She gravitates toward YA that is politically engaged without sacrificing story — work with high-concept hooks pitchable in a single sentence, fresh twists on familiar tropes, and perspectives that rarely get centred. Crossover potential is a plus. She is not seeking YA contemporary as a priority.
Clara represents select non-fiction but is not accepting unsolicited submissions in this category — referral only. Her existing client list shows non-fiction does exist on her roster, so she remains active in the space, but direct queries will not be considered.
Not the right fit
On Clara's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Clara
Confirm the form is open before doing anything else — it was closed on 15 April 2026. Follow Clara's Instagram for reopening announcements, as she has stated that is the intended channel.
Lead with voice: her single most repeated criterion is that a manuscript must establish a distinct, memorable character voice within the first page. Your query letter and any sample pages should demonstrate that immediately.
If submitting in March 2026 or shortly after, prioritise the three flagged priorities: a smart mystery, a vampire narrative with a fresh angle, or a horror-inflected project in any of her categories — these are her stated top wants.
Do not query non-fiction unless you have a personal referral; the form is explicitly not the route for that category.
Avoid leading with trope-based pitches. She has directly stated that tropes alone do not move her — surprise, emotional depth, and originality do. Frame your pitch around what is unexpected about your book, not what shelf it sits on.
She represents both US and UK markets and has editorial relationships on both sides of the Atlantic. If your work has transatlantic commercial appeal, that is worth noting briefly.
For YA, make sure your hook is genuinely high-concept — something pitchable in a single sentence — and that your manuscript has a clear political or social dimension beyond the personal stakes.
Debut writers are explicitly welcomed and even prioritised; frame your experience and long-term career vision if you are unpublished.