YA Literary Agents?

There aren't many just YA agents in the Uk, but alot of Uk agents handle YA. You're best bet is to get a writers handbook and go through it to see what each agent handles.

I agree with, Shaldna, the best way of finding YA agents in the UK is to get a copy of the Children's Writers & Artists Year Book as it will list all agents taking YA fiction based in the UK. Last year when I was doing my MA, I used a copy to put together a list of YA agents who could be invited to the Showcase. There are definitely more than you think as a lot of the 'grown-up' fiction agencies are now running YA and children's departments.

However, you will need to check out website listings to get an idea of what each agent represents/is looking for - which can take time.

At the same time, don't get hung up on the idea of just applying to UK agents. If you've got a good story that could have wider appeal then it's a good idea to check out the US agents because the market over there is bigger.

MM

Oh, I forgot about the Childrens W&A Yearbook. It's a great resource for children and YA writers. Most libraries will have a copy.

Kindness, I've been on the same search.

MsLexia has a list of UK agents here: http://www.mslexia.co.uk/resources/agents.php
There's a list here without 'blurbs', so it's harder to use: http://writersservices.com/agent/uk09/index.htm

There aren't many on the MsLexia that specify teen/YA in their little blurb, but if you look at the agencies that deal with children's fiction they often accept teen fiction as well. Of course it's a bit of a pain to have to go through all their websites (and some of them seem not have websites still...!), but needs must!

I'm going to suggest finding the Writer's Marketplace, a huge book that have a slew of agents and editors for any type of writing. They have a book that is specifically for Children and YA writers too called The Children's Marketplace, if I am not mistaken. This will help you out greatly, and it is a book that no writer should be without. Just make sure you get the newest edition.

You might also want to try googling British literary YA authors and see who their agents are. It's a good place to start.

For example, Meg Rosoff and Jenny Downham are repped by Cath.erine Cl.ark at Feli.city Br.yan.

The late Siobhan Dowd's estate is repped by Hil.ary Dela.mere at The Agency.