Jonathan Pegg is a seasoned independent UK literary agent with over two decades in publishing, specialising in literary and quality commercial fiction alongside substantive non-fiction from journalists, experts, and public figures.
In brief
Jonathan Pegg founded JPLA in 2008 after six years building a major list at one of the UK's largest agencies — this is not a newcomer operation, and the independent structure means clients get direct, hands-on representation rather than being passed to junior agents.
Their stated focus spans literary fiction, pacey thrillers, and authoritative non-fiction (biography, history, science, psychology, journalism, memoir, travel) — a deliberately broad but quality-filtered remit that rewards well-crafted, commercially minded writing.
JPLA's own agency page highlights a track record of prize-winners, bestsellers, and 'backlist stayers' — the last phrase is telling: Pegg is explicitly interested in books with long shelf lives, not just launch-window hits.
Beyond UK book rights, Pegg actively manages international rights, book-to-film rights, and paid speaking engagements — writers who have screen or speaking potential will find a more comprehensive service here than at many boutique agencies.
The agency is described as seeking writers with 'long-term potential,' signalling a preference for career-building relationships over one-book transactions — debut writers who can demonstrate a multi-book vision are well positioned to appeal.
Lately
Pegg describes JPLA's mission as serving writers with long-term potential who would feel at home with a hands-on independent agency — the emphasis is explicitly on career development, not single-book deals.
What Jonathan is looking for
Pegg's primary fiction interest is in novels with genuine literary merit — writing that is intelligent and stylistically accomplished, yet carries enough narrative momentum to reach a broad readership. This is the heartland of JPLA's fiction list.
Well-written, pacey thrillers and quality commercial novels sit firmly within scope. The key qualifier is craft: propulsive plotting is welcome, but the writing itself must be strong. Action/adventure, crime, historical, and military fiction also fall within this category.
Pegg is drawn to life-writing with genuine narrative and commercial reach — whether a public figure, a journalist reflecting on their beat, or a private individual with an extraordinary story. The writing quality is the entry ticket; the platform or story must justify a wide readership.
Accessible, authoritative non-fiction by experts, scholars, and journalists is a stated priority. Pegg favours work that combines intellectual seriousness with commercial appeal — books that inform and engage a general audience rather than speaking only to specialists.
Journalistic non-fiction and travel writing are within scope when the subject is genuinely compelling and the writing is of high quality. Writers who 'stand for something in the public eye' — whether through expertise, experience, or a distinct public voice — are particularly encouraged.
Not the right fit
Taste fingerprint
How to query Jonathan
Send submissions to submissions@jonathanpegg.com — this is the dedicated submissions address, separate from the general agency inbox.
Lead with the quality of the writing itself; Pegg's recurring qualifier across all categories is that the work must be well-written. A strong opening page is not optional — it is the primary filter.
Frame your long-term potential explicitly: JPLA is looking for career writers, not one-book projects. If you have a series concept, a second book in development, or a broader body of work in mind, say so in your query letter.
For non-fiction, establish your credentials clearly — whether that is a journalism track record, academic expertise, a public platform, or a uniquely lived experience. Pegg represents authors who 'stand for something'; your letter should convey what that is for you.
If your fiction has commercial energy (thriller pace, high stakes, broad appeal) but is also carefully written, say both things. Pegg occupies the literary-commercial overlap deliberately — pitching only one dimension undersells the fit.
If your project has screen or international potential, you may briefly note it — Pegg actively manages these rights and that context is relevant to how JPLA positions a book.
Verify submission guidelines on the agency's contact page before querying — details such as word counts, sample pages required, and any temporary closures may have been updated since the last observed snapshot.