Everyone had to start somewhere.

During my time with Binnacle Press I have made some wonderful contacts and have developed an irrational loathing of bogus literary agents who want to rip writers off.

The result of this loathing turned me into a literary agent with a soul. I will be fair, diligent and answer your angst ridden emails sent at 3.00am because you've got writers block. My commission would be arranged and agreed upon right at the beginning and I am strongly against reading fees of any kind.

No agent should ever ask a writer for monies up front or recommend themselves as an editor for a 'small fee'. Small, independent agents, with a conscience, may assist you with your edit (in order to make the work or 'the product' more appealing to a publisher). I may offer this if I feel your work is worth my time - If I believe in what you've written.

What so many writers tend to forget is that having their work published should not cost them money. The idea of being a writer is to make money.

I am currently working with a small number of clients, and I more or less cherry pick the work I like. I am delighted to say that I am very excited about their work and I hope they are equally happy with the support I provide them.

I am interested in fiction which is thought provoking and intelligent. Something which comes from the guts of the author, something with a message and feeling. I am sorry, but I am not interested in chic-lit or 'poor me, why am I still single?' stories. I am not interested in 'How To' books or indeed 'How Not To' books. I am interested purely in fiction and poetry.

I also am not happy about receiving an enquiry from an author who is also approaching other agents in the same mailing. I consider it rude to be part of a mass mailing to eleven other agents, and a waste of my time to read your work if you have no real interest in my services - I applaud authors who are being proactive, but showing some discretion about 'shopping around' is just good manners, surely?

For those who have no idea about what a literary agent actually does or is puzzled regarding what sort of approach is expected from a writer to an agent, the link at the bottom of this page may be of some assistance to you. It is very clear and informative and I hope someone might find it useful. So, all that said, if you have work which is fresh, dynamic and screaming to be read, send me the following:

A covering letter.
A head turning synopsis - no more than 300 words.
A short biography - so I may get to know you a little.


I do take email submissions, and would ask you to adhere to the submission guidelines as I cannot guarantee your submission will not be deleted if I feel that you are really a member of the Nigerian royal family who needs a few quid sent, asap.


Please write in the subject line of your enquiry mail: Enquiry for Binnacle Press. This will tell me your enquiry letter is not spam.

Once again, may I remind you that all I require at this stage is:
A covering letter. A brief synopsis. A short biography.

Please note that full manuscripts will not be read at this initial stage, and if I require it, I shall ask you for it.

Please send all enquiries to: info@binnaclepress.com

Deborah Lysaght

A useful link about what literary agents do and how to approach one.