ABOUT US
Coombs Moylett has always recognised the value and importance of detailed feedback and close interaction with authors. We select only submissions we feel strongly about, and offer our authors consistent support and guidance, whether it be during the writing process, during the submission process, or during rights negotiations.
Coombs Moylett works in conjunction with a number of highly experienced editors from inside the publishing industry who are fully involved in the selection and cultivation of authors showing the promise that Coombs Moylett is looking for, and who provide matchless feedback and guidance to our authors once they have been selected for representation.
Once selected for representation, our authors will benefit not only from access to our first-class editorial feedback, but also from advice about the target market, carefully considered submission to suitable publishers, both in the UK and internationally, and support and advice over the development of subsequent novels.
We work in association with a number of international agencies and scouts, and handle translation, US, film and TV sales for all our clients.
At Coombs Moylett, each of our authors is as important as the next, and will be given as much support, guidance and editorial help as they feel they need.
OUR HISTORY
Coombs Moylett was founded in 1997 by Lisa Moylett after many years spent working with renowned literary agent Desmond Elliott, for Arlington Books (Jilly Cooper’s first publisher) and with Jonathan Harris of APH.
Since 1997 Coombs Moylett has built up an eclectic list of authors, a cross-section of which includes:
- Jonathan Gash – the Lovejoy series
- John Gardner – the Bond novels and the Boysie Oakes series
- Karen Campbell – finalist for the 2010 Gold Dagger Award
- Catriona Mcpherson – shortlisted for the Ellis Peters Dagger Award)
- Vena Cork – author of Thorn, “One of those rare and energetic books you can’t put down” (The Times).
Coombs Moylett has long-established relationships with commissioning editors across all the publishing houses, large and small, and is constantly developing new relationships with young editors.
Lisa Moylett
HOW WE WORK
We ask authors to submit a synopsis and three sample chapters. (Please see submission guidelines.) After a screening process, selected authors will be asked to submit their full manuscript. Those that Coombs Moylett believe to show promise will be offered representation, or the option of working with one of our editors with a view to being taken on by the agency if the novel is brought to its potential.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We specialize in well written commercial fiction, particularly in the genres of historical fiction, crime/ mystery/suspense and thrillers, and women’s fiction across a spectrum ranging from chick-lit to sagas to contemporary and literary fiction.
We do not handle non-fiction, poetry, plays or scripts for film & TV.